Deep Litter Method...Please explain

[Stella1964]

I don't quite get the concept of the deep litter method.

My chicks are now 9 weeks old and doing great. I've been reading up on the DLM and am not sure about a couple things. If I ensure the litter in their coop is 7+ inches deep of shavings, how often, do I have to try to clean out the poop, or is that the point of DLM, ie, that I don't have to clean out the poop?

If that's the case, does it just take care of itself?

If I DO have to clean out the poop, how often and how best to do it?

Thanks for any clarification.

 

[gritsar]

Stella, at this link you will find Dawn419's excellent explanation of the Deep Litter Method.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1560-DLM

 

[goldnchocolate]

I'll share the little that I know about the concept of deep litter method.

Not sure but think that you start with a dirt floor in the coop. Begin with an average amount of bedding and as it gets soiled add more bedding as needed...right on top of the older bedding. The moisture in the damp dirt under the bedding inoculates the bedding with beneficial bacteria and the chickens keep the bedding mixed by scratching in it. I throw scratch grains down to get them scratching around in it. Eventually over the winter the bedding will compost and even heat up a little and helps to keep the chickens warm in the winter. Then in the spring you clean the coop and take all of that wonderfully rich compost and use it in your garden

 

[Stella1964]

OK, thanks sounds easy enough! Thanks!