deep litter materials

[dsc6]

I am using the deep litter method. What are some things you all use for this? I do not have access to wood/pine shavings. I am using straw, will add grass clippings during the summer and will add mulched leaves in the fall. Is DE necessary? I don't want to have a earthworm slaughter, lol. I'm sprinkling some fresh cracked corn into the litter to encourage the hens foraging and turning it over. This will be a bigger issue in the cold months. I have 4 high windows which I am considering leaving open in the winter for ventilation. (Will cover the 4 lower windows.) The hen house is approx 10 by 20.

Here you can see the high round windows and the lower ones.

 

[rasin peeps]

I think I read on the DE bag that it does not affect earthworms.