Deep Litter in dry chicken run

[blackdog043]

Here's a good video for deep litter.

 

[TalkALittle]

I just spray my covered run down when the deep litter gets too dry. I did it just yesterday, as a matter of fact. We didn't get a lot of snow this winter and not as much rain come spring so the litter had not gotten much moisture from below and was quite dry so I wet it down. It took quite a bit of water and even then when I raked it to even it out a bit it was still dry about 2 inches down so I just hung the hose up and let it spray some more while I worked around the yard a bit.

 

[aart]

Here's a great description of contents and how to manage organic 'bedding' in a run or coop...and there's a great video(same one as in above post) of what it looks like.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1037998/muddy-run-help-please#post_16017992

I was able to start with a big load of tree trimmings from the power company that had been aged(6 months). I collect dry leaves in the fall (stored in feed bags in a shed) and add them occasionally, and other garden trimmings. I let my grass grow tall, mow and spread it out with discharge pattern, leave it to dry a few day, ten push it into rows with the mower discharge, rake it up and add to run.

 

[ally512]

So this is our frist year and we ended up with 12 chickens,we made there coop and fixing there run while there getting used to the coop,my question is the floor of coop is wood and I'm going to use hay for floor and shaveings for the nest for egg laying ,how often do I clean ,it's a 4 by 8 coop

 

[aart]

So this is our frist year and we ended up with 12 chickens,we made there coop and fixing there run while there getting used to the coop,my question is the floor of coop is wood and I'm going to use hay for floor and shaveings for the nest for egg laying ,how often do I clean ,it's a 4 by 8 coop

As often as needed.
Really depends on several factors....climate, ventilation, how you manage your manure, if you have a poop board.....you're nose will likely tell you when.
Oh, and, Welcome to BYC!

 

[ally512]

As often as needed.
Really depends on several factors....climate, ventilation, how you manage your manure, if you have a poop board.....you're nose will likely tell you when.
Oh, and, Welcome to BYC!

K so how long do I keep them inside of the coop,I'm worried even thow they have ventilation on both sides that there going to get too hot,we live in Massachusetts in the country ,West bridgewater and it's a big farm yard but I don't want them free range cuz I have hawks and cyotes

 

[ally512]

K so how long do I keep them inside of the coop,I'm worried even thow they have ventilation on both sides that there going to get too hot,we live in Massachusetts in the country ,West bridgewater and it's a big farm yard but I don't want them free range cuz I have hawks and cyotes

And thank u I think this is only place I can get answers

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

K so how long do I keep them inside of the coop,I'm worried even thow they have ventilation on both sides that there going to get too hot,we live in Massachusetts in the country ,West bridgewater and it's a big farm yard but I don't want them free range cuz I have hawks and cyotes

Have you considerrd building a run attached to the coop?

 

[ally512]

Have you considerrd building a run attached to the coop?

Yes were attaching it right to the coop,we had a problem with it some it got a hole in it and I belive it's from when we had dogs so we're moving the fence, that way alls I have to do is open the door for them

 

[ally512]

so is this a red rooster or hen cuz she don't look like the 11 others I have and they all came together ,and we just put them in this coop so why are they huddled together they know who I am maybe cuz it's new,my birds are wierd