Deep litter help please!!

[brothers]

I have a quick question for ya's.We are doing a deep litter system in our coop.Pine shavings and leaves.Was working great for months.Then it got cold and snow covered all of the leaves outside so we have only been adding pine shavings.I turn the compacted litter quite often.The last 5 days or so it has been warm enough to finally give them access to their pen.Unfortunately the bedding is now pretty damp and the ammonia smell takes my breath away.I know I have to do something.I have a barn that is FULL of old hay.Like 20 years old.Would it be ok to mix some into the deep litter?Would if be best to take the litter out and fill 'er back up with the hay?Or maybe I shouldnt use the hay at all?
Getting to the farm store to get fresh shavings isnt a option for at least 2 weeks.
thanks.

 

[creaturelife]

i use a hay i my coops some time i also use the deep liter method i was just pack that hay down in there it ok if its old hay or new i use my old hay you can do the hay i will work just as good as the shavings

 

[brothers]

Thanks for your reply!
Anyone else care to chime in? Should I be worried about mold or any other issues from useing 20 y/o hay in the coop.

Thanks again

 

[creaturelife]

i dont think the mold will hurt them i had some on my hay that was bout 5 years old and i used it in the coop its ok for chickens but i would not give it to ducks

 

[Smithyard Farm]

I think the old hay would be fine...maybe fluff" it up before putting in there.. I don't turn mine very much...maybe once a month?? just before adding more shavings.... either I have stopped noticing - or it doesn't really smell....

 

[brothers]

I called a few other folks I know with barns and one of them gave me 2 bails of dry hay and bags of wood shavings! So I shoveled out about 3/4 of the stinky damp litter and added a bail of hay and 1/2 a bail of pine shavings.The smell instantly vanished!










Thanks for all the help...Everyone Happy! Happy! again.

 

[Smithyard Farm]

they look very happy!