Deep Bedding Help/Question

[eighthens525]

I am trying out the deep bedding method and I have 17 birds and they roost over this 4' - 6' space. It is starting to smell a bit like ammonia and doesn't seem to dry out as much as I was hoping. I turn it about once a week and I have full roof ventilation. Do I just have too many chickens to use this method? They free range so aren't in there at all during the day so I am only dealing with night droppings. Is it ok to smell ammonia a little with adequate ventilation or is any ammonia smell dangerous? Can I use this method but maybe just have to clean it all out more often? I was hoping to not have a droppings board anymore because with this many chickens I would have to clean that daily.

 

[Percheron chick]

Not enough ventilation. An opening low will help draw air up and move more air. What's the protein level of their feed? Higher levels, 18%+, will create more ammonia as well.

 

[eighthens525]

Ok great idea about the low opening. I will add that ASAP.

 

[aart]

I have full roof ventilation.

Hmmm, what does the mean?
Pics showing the whole coop it's ventilation would help.

doesn't seem to dry out as much as I was hoping.

Would be good to know your location/climate.

 

[eighthens525]

Hmmm, what does the mean?
Pics showing the whole coop it's ventilation would help.


Would be good to know your location/climate.

I have hardware cloth across the whole top and a 3" gap of air between the purlins and the metal roof. I am in Western North Carolina. Decently mild weather but we do get snow and some cold days in the winter.

 

[aart]

I have hardware cloth across the whole top and a 3" gap of air between the purlins and the metal roof.

Pics, inside and out?
No windows?

I am in Western North Carolina.

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[3KillerBs]

Here is my article on Deep Bedding: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/using-deep-bedding-in-a-small-coop.76343/

Causes of Deep Bedding failure frequently include too many chickens for the volume of the bedding, insufficient ventilation, and excess moisture.

Here's my article on ventilation: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/

 

[eighthens525]

Pics, inside and out?
No windows?


Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

View attachment 3319659

Here are pics of the coop. I have 2 windows. I usually close them in the winter though.

 

[3KillerBs]

Here are pics of the coop. I have 2 windows. I usually close them in the winter though.

Ventilation is just as critical in the winter as in the summer.