Deep litter method or Deep compost system, what's the difference?

[Folly's place]

So true! It's a topic much discussed, and not clarified.
Mary

 

[mdquilts]

This thread certainly clears up some of my confusion on this topic. I have been doing dry deep bedding method since I set up my coop 3 months ago. One thing I’m wondering now that I see they are really two different methods is will this help keep the coop warm in the winter or does only the “wet” method do that? Thanks

 

[Chef JimmyJ]

It is the active decomposition that generates Heat in the Deep Compost System. In some situations that heat can built to 100+°F. Generate that temp in a Michigan Winter and you will be fine, keep the Vents open to moderate the temp and remove, dangerous, Humidity.
In the Summer, Deep Composting heat buildup can kill your birds.
The dry Deep Litter Method, normally generates little to no heat because of a lack of decomp. However, a waterer in the coop, along with messy birds, or a Leaking Roof, can add enough water to start decomp and heat generation. Keep the Deep Litter dry for the best and safest result...JJ

 

[feathermaid]

Yes, I agree that all the types of bedding methods are really confusing. I've been using a "system" for a few years now and still don't know exactly what to call it. I just know it works for me.

I use shavings inside my coop and since I have a poop tray under the roosts, the bedding on the floor remains fairly clean so I only add small amounts of fresh litter occasionally throughout the year... this is what it looks like inside after 11 months:



It seems like you should be able to get composting action in a raised coop if you wanted, but I haven't heard of anyone successful at it, and I wouldn't want to do it myself either. My main concern is the moisture level required and I just don't want that inside my coop, I don't even keep food and water in there. It seems to me the only real reason to use a 'wet deep litter' is if you had a ton of chickens and a large poultry house where cleaning it out just isn't feasible or profitable... the only reason for it being wet would be from the excessive poop, which is the reason for always adding more litter. And most poultry operations aren't keeping the same flock for years on end, they raise a batch at a time, process, then start over.
That could be where some confusion comes in... there are certain industry practices that don't necessarily carry over to backyard flocks. Even though everyone writes a blog about it doesn't make it true.

I worry a lot about ventilation and moisture buildup so I definitely prefer to keep my coop dry as possible. I also have a thermo-hygrometer to monitor temp and humidity levels. The poop tray is a big help, especially with Sweet PDZ to help absorb moisture and neutralize ammonia fumes. Daily poop scooping is really easy. I still remove the floor shavings every summer and toss them in my compost bin to finish composting and by the following spring it's all turned to beautiful garden soil.

Here's a pretty informative FAQ about deep litter:
http://www.plamondon.com/wp/deep-litter-chicken-coops/
They actually refer to it as "built-up litter"

 

[feathermaid]

One thing I’m wondering now that I see they are really two different methods is will this help keep the coop warm in the winter or does only the “wet” method do that? Thanks

I don't think generating heat from litter is anything to be concerned with. Chickens stay warm by huddling together and fluffing their feathers, and can do fine in below freezing temps. Their bodies are little heat machines, but that body heat also creates moisture along with their breathing. The best thing to do is offer plenty of ventilation to let moisture escape, and keep them protected from direct drafts. That means either placing vents well above roosts, or facing vents or open windows away from prevailing winds.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

I don't think generating heat from litter is anything to be concerned with. Chickens stay warm by huddling together and fluffing their feathers, and can do fine in below freezing temps. Their bodies are little heat machines, but that body heat also creates moisture along with their breathing.

Thanks for these posts. The voice of experience and wisdom is so welcome for us newbies!

 

[aart]

I don't think generating heat from litter is anything to be concerned with. Chickens stay warm by huddling together and fluffing their feathers, and can do fine in below freezing temps. Their bodies are little heat machines, but that body heat also creates moisture along with their breathing. The best thing to do is offer plenty of ventilation to let moisture escape, and keep them protected from direct drafts. That means either placing vents well above roosts, or facing vents or open windows away from prevailing winds.

Yes!
One of the biggest fallacies of 'deep litter' is that it helps 'heat the coop'.
A composting litter that's balanced and maintained enough to create heat needs more moisture(and work) than I want in my coop.
Chicken poop and respiration creates much moisture,
so good ventilation is essential all year around.

 

[mdquilts]

Thank you for the responses. I’m happy with the way things are going so I’ll just keep it up with confidence!

 

[DoozyWombat]

Yes!
One of the biggest fallacies of 'deep litter' is that it helps 'heat the coop'.
A composting litter that's balanced and maintained enough to create heat needs more moisture(and work) than I want in my coop.
Chicken poop and respiration creates much moisture,
so good ventilation is essential all year around.

Thank you for the clarification!

As a noob, I really appreciate explanations like this. I'm going to stay with the plan of keeping the litter dry and the coop well-ventilated.