Deep litter method bedding

[My Farm Life]

I use straw in my coop, it works great and they love scratching around in it when its fresh. Its cheap too

 

[flyin-lowe]

I've just started the DL method trial and error but finally getting the job done. I'm confused though when I read some throw scratch for the chickens in the coop/run wouldn't that attract mice etc. or are your chickens so determined to get to the last bit of morsel?

I throw an handful of scratch in and they will dig around until it is gone. As far as attracting mice, the chicken feed, water, shelter, bedding/litter, would all appeal to mice, especially in the winter. A few bits of grains are going to make a difference.

I only do this in my coop. My run is pretty large so I just throw grass/leaves/or straw in there and leave it until it gets down to mud then I fill it up again so they are not in a muddy run.

 

[Mahlzeit]

I use dead leaves inside my coop and on my poop board. I have tons of oak trees and keep all the leaves that drop off and use them for the coop. Periodically I'll add more to the coop as they start scratching them into smaller pieces. I find it does a great job keeping the smell down on the poop board as well even though I only clean that once every month or month and a half.

 

[Tillicans]

OK I have a run and a roosting area with their nests, under that is a pull out board, its a shop bought coop, but the run is custom made. Your coops sound much bigger than mine, they only go their to sleep not to scratch around, they do that in the run. I was a bit confused why they would want to scratch in their roosting area.

 

[SnowKnitty]

I have a coop and free range my flock during the day. They have trees for shade and can go under the coop but they have no covered run. In winter, nights get long and we can get some pretty brutal winds with rain and or snow that keep them inside. Occasionally, a new snow fall is deep to discourage them from venturing out. They rarely stay inside all day but it does happen. So I feel it's a good idea to allocate more coop space per bird than one might need in a temperate climate. And if they're awake, they're scratching at something!

 

[Mahlzeit]

OK I have a run and a roosting area with their nests, under that is a pull out board, its a shop bought coop, but the run is custom made. Your coops sound much bigger than mine, they only go their to sleep not to scratch around, they do that in the run. I was a bit confused why they would want to scratch in their roosting area.

Since you're in Australia you don't get the winters we do here which keeps them in the coop at times with the snow and cold winds. I also keep their feeder hanging in the coop so they are in there to eat and they scratch around for what they drop on the floor.

 

[Howdydoodylady]

I am brand new to owning chickens and have planned to use the deep litter method. I originally wanted to use American hemp bedding however after finding out the cost for 2 bags delivered is 99$ I'm looking for another alternative. . Has anyone used American hemp and can say how far 1 bag goes? Or are there better options out there? I have a flock of 10 and a decent size coop that's 4x6.

I have been using hemp bedding in my pigeon loft all winter. It has been phenomenal! First it is so nice and insulating. Second dust free. Third- highly absorbent. I had the problem of other beddings blowing around and leaving bald spots on the floor when they flapped their wings. This is heavy and won't blow around. It almost makes a velvety mat. I have horses too so try so many different beddings. I am pretty sure this bedding will knock out cocci problems because the floor of the loft is dry, very absorbent. As for price, here in Virginia we have hemp farms. I get mine from our feed store from a local farm and the price is $24 for a forty pound bag. That bag fills my 10X10 loft deep. Need a second 1/2 bag to do lofts. That was it, that was all I needed to last me all winter. I just stripped the loft yesterday and started again with another $24 bag. I find that it is incredibly worth it! Just my two cents