Deep litter method in Run

[BobbieB7]

Hello, I’ve been working on coop for sometime now. My girls are in a 10 x10 dog kennel with a temporary small coop.
I started with shavings and dislike them so changed I’ve to horse pellet bedding.
I now have what I think is deep litter.
The rune is covered with tarps but we did have a hurricane and heavy rain over summer, so about 6 “ down it’s damp.
The girls do dust bath all over run.
Is this method of?
I really like the horse bedding because I have large compost area.
I don’t want a bunch of sand
I do treat with lime and stall deodorizer

 

[aart]

Is this method of?

...method of.....'deep litter'?
No, 6" of pine pellets is not deep litter.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If the pellet bedding works for you, might as well keep using it. It's not deep litter though, as that would include other organic materials of different sizes to improve drainage, aeration, and composting.

 

[3KillerBs]

Deep litter is an active composting system which works best with a mix of different materials and textures.

But if your deep layer of pine pellets is working then don't fix what isn't broken.

 

[BobbieB7]

Deep litter is an active composting system which works best with a mix of different materials and textures.

But if your deep layer of pine pellets is working then don't fix what isn't broken.

Hi this is what I’m using
Horse bedding pellets
I use shavings under coop area and a little in run. What else should I use? It’s breaking down underneath bedding. But If I should use other materials Is like to know.
When my coop is done I do plan on using pellets
Thank you

 

[3KillerBs]

You should use whatever method and material that works well for your situation, your climate, your locally-available materials, and your personal preference in re: cleaning, scooping poop, etc.

I personally like a mixture of materials and textures, which I think makes the bedding/litter less likely to pack, mat, and develop anaerobic pockets. Primarily, I use pine shavings, pine straw, straw, and dry leaves.

Many people consider coarse wood chips -- the sort you get from a tree-trimming service -- the gold standard for long-lasting odor control and mud control.

Some people use more exotic beddings such as hemp and coffee grounds.

You're not the only one using those horse pellets, for sure.

What works for you works. If you don't have an odor problem or other trouble then don't fix what isn't broken.

This is my article on Deep Bedding. I'm working on another about Deep Litter, but haven't collected enough information yet.