Deep litter coop considerations

[starchicky]

Hello,
We will be building a new coop soon and I'd like to use the deep litter method. I'm wondering if there are certain aspects of the coop that would work better for this?

We've discussed concrete vs dirt floor? As well as having metal siding near the bottom to avoid wood rot? What would folks recommend?

 

[RUNuts]

I'm thinking dirt floor for moisture, earth worms and beneficial bacteria and fungi.

Remember the old garages? Concrete block perimeter with the wood resting on the concrete blocks about 2-8" above grade. Can line the wall with linoleum or vinyl flooring.

I built a raised coop since I live in a swamp. The hurricane proved that. Liking the concrete block construction though. Literally, building resting on the blocks.

Cheers.

 

[sweetater22]

I agree on the dirt floor for deep litter also my run has a metal border around all sides up 24 inches high to stop loss of the litter. I use aged wood chips mixed with leaves and other yard waste as well as any garden waste, just throw it in there the chickens will eat some and scatter the rest. I have about 10 to 12 inches of litter now and when it rains dries very quickly providing the lower layers the moisture needed to sustain the creatures and worms present there that help break down the materials as well as providing goodies for the Hens. Best advice given me I will pass to you, try to copy the forest floor in your deep litter method.

 

[Mr Pink]

I have a concrete floor in my coop and do deep litter ...so far has worked out wonderfully atleast in the fact that the leaves have broken down and the resulting mix looks much like the deep litter in the run WITH one exception - deep litter in coop stays very dry and gets dusty where the run litter gets rained on occasionally and looks and works more like compost

 

[TalkALittle]

Remember to take into account the depth of the litter when measuring out and installing things like roosts, nest boxes, and pop door. Everything should be at least 10"-12" higher than usual.

Even though you may not be removing litter material often, you still may want to make sure the door is wide enough to allow you to maneuver a wheelbarrow or large bin into the space.

 

[lazy gardener]

I agree on the dirt floor for deep litter also my run has a metal border around all sides up 24 inches high to stop loss of the litter. I use aged wood chips mixed with leaves and other yard waste as well as any garden waste, just throw it in there the chickens will eat some and scatter the rest. I have about 10 to 12 inches of litter now and when it rains dries very quickly providing the lower layers the moisture needed to sustain the creatures and worms present there that help break down the materials as well as providing goodies for the Hens. Best advice given me I will pass to you, try to copy the forest floor in your deep litter method.

Remember to take into account the depth of the litter when measuring out and installing things like roosts, nest boxes, and pop door. Everything should be at least 10"-12" higher than usual.

Even though you may not be removing litter material often, you still may want to make sure the door is wide enough to allow you to maneuver a wheelbarrow or large bin into the space.