Deep bedding

[Fluffy_Butt]

The terms 'deep litter' and 'deep bedding' are often misunderstood and misapplied.
I've always liked this explanation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-method-with-this-coop.1075545/#post-16440037

Thanks, that's interesting! Good definitions but I'm still having a hard time finding descriptions of how the two differ in execution and resulting product. From that post though, I guess I do a combo approach. More evidence that either way, it's hard to frell up!

 

[Toxicity 321]

With deep bedding can you use cedar chips? and with ventilation Do i leave a window open or drill holes or what?

 

[Fluffy_Butt]

I think cedar is generally not recommended for chickens since the oils/fumes (?) can cause respiratory problems.

For ventilation, I think the key is to have airflow, but no draft directly on the birds. I've heard putting a furnace filter in front of a window can work in our north winters. In warmer weather, I'd think the open window (still protected at night) would be good. Hopefully someone else will have more info. I'm going into my first WI winter with the birds, and moving to boot, so I'm going to have to figure it out twice

 

[3KillerBs]

With deep bedding can you use cedar chips? and with ventilation Do i leave a window open or drill holes or what?

Cedar is a respiratory irritant which should not be used as animal bedding.

It's recommended to have 1 square foot of permanent ventilation per bird. Windows closed in the winter and the pop door opened at night are supplemental ventilation that doesn't count.

You want to arrange this permanent ventilation to provide ample, but draft-free air-flow. It's best to put it high over the birds' head. Many people accomplish this with open soffits (protected by wire), and either a ridge vent or vents at the top of the gable. I personally love the monitor roof I have in my small coop.

 

[Toxicity 321]

Cedar is a respiratory irritant which should not be used as animal bedding.

It's recommended to have 1 square foot of permanent ventilation per bird. Windows closed in the winter and the pop door opened at night are supplemental ventilation that doesn't count.

You want to arrange this permanent ventilation to provide ample, but draft-free air-flow. It's best to put it high over the birds' head. Many people accomplish this with open soffits (protected by wire), and either a ridge vent or vents at the top of the gable. I personally love the monitor roof I have in my small coop.

Thanks for the info

 

[Duckee]

I have been doing 12 + inches deep bedding for years. I use free wood
chips from power company, straw and/or hay, some sand, and garden waste. In spring i scrape back loose product to get down to that beautiful dirt. Remove as much as i need to top of my many garden beds and refill coop area again.
Because of the deep bed composting my coop area ground has not become toxic over time due to chicken poop. Instead of that area smelling like poop, it smells like very fresh dirt! And is filled with lots of microbes for the girls to dig up & eat!

Initially i had a 2nd floor small coop (well ventilated) for laying and sleeping only with a run under it that opened into bigger run. I put sand in coop and could stand and sift clean it out when hens were outside.
I have recently converted a cattle panel green house into a ventilated coop without a floor. I moved it over the existing deep bedding run.
My hens do all the rotating & mixing! I just spray the run down with water if lack of rain has caused the bedding to dry out too much in hot summer. That triggers the hens to work again

If at all possible, deep bedding is the way to go!

 

[electrycmonk]

The terms 'deep litter' and 'deep bedding' are often misunderstood and misapplied.
I've always liked this explanation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-method-with-this-coop.1075545/#post-16440037

Thanks @aart .... From this thread reference I can see a whole lot clearer. I have read it before too.... It just didn't fully sink in (pun UN-intended but, I'm claiming it regardless) until a few days of thinking about this current thread.

Our "run" is pseudo-DLM in that it's dirt with everything else on top.... Except when we have a flooding rain. Which has happended 3-4 times in 2020 already. Even AFTER I put in a 8" dia drainpipe under the run to keep it from getting flooded.... And we are at the top of the hill.

The coop is "deep bedding" as it's a dry mix that is slowly gaining depth as we approach winter. I will continue to add shavings etc a little every so often as the months go past and I'll clean it out in May/June in 2021....

I really like this combo. And the compost bin is doing its job just fine.....

 

[Mewcycle]

I was afraid of that which is why I was trying to tell you that was not my intent. There has been so much of that going on lately that I did not want to be doing that so please know for a third time it was not my intention. You have a good setup even though it was left to you on the property. Shade is good and once taken away is hard to get back. They love things to roost on. And yes the floor is the priority hence the maze was my focus but not in a bad way. Thought it was. A good thing for them just making a comment that it might be hard for the keeper at times — I’m disabled so I think that way. Not everyone else is thank goodness. Your set up is clean, neat and good for your birds. That is what counts. Your chickens are very good looking birds too with what sounds like a very caring owner who prioritizes their needs.

Okay, no worries, we seem to have just gotten off subject slightly. I think you meant well. What I was looking for was advice on using DL or DB method. Just looking for what those with experience would say would work best with my setup.
I’m pretty happy with my “Fort Knox” coop. And since I live on John Knox Rd, that seems a suitable name for my Chicken fortress. if I put a sign on the coop that says “Fort Knox”, I wonder if it will discourage the raccoons.

 

[TLCMidMichigan]

What is the HEMP product? And where do you get it?

I use the pine chips for my deep dish.

 

[electrycmonk]

What is the HEMP product? And where do you get it?

I use the pine chips for my deep dish.

FYI it would behoove you to scroll back in the thread. It's been listed at least 2-3 times as well as the website. And the appropriate disclaimer was also up front as well. So go forth and be fruitful.