Deep Litter Method and chickens not mixing it up

[skittles]

Hello Everyone,

I use the deep litter method and I see people say their chickens mix it up while scratching for treats in it. Well my chickens never seem to do that, they just eat up what is on top. I throw down cracked corn and Boss and everymorning I go in and looks like they did nothing to mix it up. After awhile and adding shavings it gets pretty heavy to mix up. Any ideas for anything I can do to get them to mix it? Thanks

 

[8ROYALS]

One thing that I did and it worked for me. I kinda moved some of the litter and put down the treats then moved some litter one top of it. Kinda like hide and seek. I never use too much, but I do it in several locations. My chickens now scratch around to look to see if something is hiding. I did go back and check the spot the next day to make sure it was moved and the treats were gone. If not I uncovered them a little and checked again the next day. Plus I found that if you rake it around first kinda fluff it up, then add your treats some will fall down in the litter. then they have to hunt for them. Just my experience hope it helps....

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

I usually rake it into a big pile in the middle of the tractor, throw in some boss and let them get busy. My girls know that when I am raking in the tractor, it means goodies will be in there afterwards. They dig like crazy, litter flying everywhere. I have to be quick! Maybe if you make it a routine, they will go in and dig for their treasure!

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

I throw down cracked corn and Boss and everymorning

Skip a few mornings and make them WORK to find it​