Deep litter advice

[julieandwade]

Hello! Last weekend my son and I made a hoop coop. We have decided to thin our flock down to about 10 birds. I would like to try the deep litter method to cut down on smell and flies. Any advice is appreciated. Also, should I leave the tarp as is, or entirely cover the hoops? It should be noted that this is where the girls will spend the bulk of their time. We may let them out for an hour or so every few days, but this is their permanent place.

 

[City Farmer Jim]

Not sure if I would use chicken wire and have the huge holes at the top...it doesn't see very predator proof. Is that a permanent place for the coop or is it a tractor coop?

 

[julieandwade]

Not sure if I would use chicken wire and have the huge holes at the top...it doesn't see very predator proof. Is that a permanent place for the coop or is it a tractor coop?

I will be closing in the holes this weekend. It was to be a tractor, but have now realized I dont quite have the space to move it without having zero backyard. So I've decided to keep it in its place.

 

[3KillerBs]

Check out this post and the rest of the thread. Deep litter isn't difficult as long as you have ground contact and moisture.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/gravel-base-in-run.1401030/page-3#post-23014952

I like the idea of a partially-covered, partially open run so that chickens can choose sun or shade, rain or shelter.