Deep Litter Method and Poop

[songbuddha]

Searched the threads but can't quite find the answer to my newbie question--I am using the deep litter method, and think it is working. The coop is dry, the pine shavings are dry, and the poo dries quickly. I have about 5" currently of pine shavings. I turn it over once a week or every other week. The (dried) poop does not go down to the bottom though, it is still very visible throughout the coop. Is that supposed to happen? All the deep litter method pictures I see look so clean. I'll post a pic of what mine looks like. There is no smell. What do you all think? Thanks!

 

[Pitaya]

I think "clean" pictures have new litter spread on top.

 

[BlackHackle]

That's what my deep litter looks like and I've been doing it for 5 years

 

[songbuddha]

That's what my deep litter looks like and I've been doing it for 5 years

So reassuring--THANKS!

 

[BlackHackle]

Anytime! BTW

 

[Rob Tof]

I use fresh pine shavings in my coop but deep litter in the pen. Throw out soiled shavings into pen add fresh grass and leaves. Having a thick layer of pine shavings isn’t deep litter.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Helps if you use other things in addition to shavings. I find shavings to not be great for deep litter... I use a little bit for the nest box and maybe in the coop. Chunky wood chips are better at letting poop fall through. Dried leaves and green clippings break down along with the poop.