Deep Litter Method Question

[newchick64]

If the HC is 1/2" that's not possible, the window would be approximately a 20" square. Where did you buy it, can you link to its product page?

I got it at tractor supply in the spring.

 

[Blooie]

Deep bedding is what I'd recommend inside a coop with deep litter out in the run, though if this is a slide out tray that tells me the coop is likely very small and the tray won't slide if it's covered in bedding. A small coop would need to be cleaned out regularly as the bedding will become soiled faster. Photos would be helpful.

@newchick64, Deep litter will not work for you. If it's going to compost, the moisture would rust your tray out and your coop is not big enough. If your tray is deep enough, you could do a semi deep bedding(dry). Start with some pine shavings and sprinkle some Sweet PDZ over them, then add more shavings to refresh as needed. When it builds up to high, you will have to clean it out. Your other option depending on how big your tray is, fill the tray with Sweet PDZ and scoop the poop daily, like we do with poop boards.

Both very good answers. There is a distinct difference between "deep bedding" and true "deep litter". There is nothing wrong with deep bedding...as has been pointed out it will be difficult to clean with the pull out tray, but not impossible. Deep litter needs contact with the ground, IMO, to work it's best. Deep litter totally composts in place - I cleaned mine out (but never down to bare ground) every couple of years and had no issues. What I took out could go directly into the garden as it was already deep, rich compost. The deep bedding I'd used before I started over was still recognizable as pine shavings even a year later. It needs to be pulled, then put into a compost bin and aged for quite awhile for good garden use.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's small but assuming the measurements are correct the coop area is just big enough for 4. It does have more ventilation than I expected. The run is insufficient, you want to double that space, if not more, unless you regularly free range the chickens, in which case that might be ok as is.

What are your typical winter conditions, i.e. lowest temperatures and how many days of snow? Most breeds of chickens are fairly tolerant of cold but the important thing is to keep them dry, to prevent frostbite and to allow their feathers to naturally hold heat against their bodies.

 

[nminusyplusm]

I think 5 feet by 5 feet. I tried to find the coop on line but not having any luck.
Found it!

Cool, thanks! I'd estimate the coop is 44" (116" -60" -12" for nest box) x 54" which is 16.5 sq ft, just enough room for 4 chickens. And it's a little taller than I was expecting so that's good too.

I'd add more vents on the cupola and top hinge the part of the door that covers the large window (or windows? are there 2?). You'll be able to protect them from bad weather but still be able to use the big window for ventilation. Just make sure the roosts are around 12" lower than the cupola so they'll be protected from drafts.

And definitely take rosemarythyme's advice about the run. At a minimum it should be 40 sq ft, think 4' x 10'. What you have now is half of what you need.

 

[newchick64]

Thanks for the information. I didn't really understand the deep litter method in that I definitely don't have enough space. The girls are out a good portion of the day free ranging. We're going to increase the run size now that we have a break from the heat. I really appreciate all the information. I'm a newbie so your advice is super helpful!

Cool, thanks! I'd estimate the coop is 44" (116" -60" -12" for nest box) x 54" which is 16.5 sq ft, just enough room for 4 chickens. And it's a little taller than I was expecting so that's good too.

I'd add more vents on the cupola and top hinge the part of the door that covers the large window (or windows? are there 2?). You'll be able to protect them from bad weather but still be able to use the big window for ventilation. Just make sure the roosts are around 12" lower than the cupola so they'll be protected from drafts.

And definitely take rosemarythyme's advice about the run. At a minimum it should be 40 sq ft, think 4' x 10'. What you have now is half of what you need.

There's only one large window but two vents with plastic sliders.

 

[nminusyplusm]

Thanks for the information. I didn't really understand the deep litter method in that I definitely don't have enough space. The girls are out a good portion of the day free ranging. We're going to increase the run size now that we have a break from the heat. I really appreciate all the information. I'm a newbie so your advice is super helpful!

There's only one large window but two vents with plastic sliders.

Even with just one window, if you just top hinge it so it can stay partially open but still keep rain and snow out it will really help. And you are smart to look into DL, like I said, keep it in mind for a future coop. You will love it!

 

[newchick64]

Even with just one window, if you just top hinge it so it can stay partially open but still keep rain and snow out it will really help. And you are smart to look into DL, like I said, keep it in mind for a future coop. You will love it!

Thank you for all the information! Have a great weekend!

 

[aart]

Can they get up on those roosts OK?
The cupola vents could be dampered to reduce drafts and work fairly well.
The run might need work.......

Depends on....

Where in this world are you located?
Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, then it's always there!

 

[Trux]

Both very good answers. There is a distinct difference between "deep bedding" and true "deep litter". There is nothing wrong with deep bedding...as has been pointed out it will be difficult to clean with the pull out tray, but not impossible. Deep litter needs contact with the ground, IMO, to work it's best. Deep litter totally composts in place - I cleaned mine out (but never down to bare ground) every couple of years and had no issues. What I took out could go directly into the garden as it was already deep, rich compost. The deep bedding I'd used before I started over was still recognizable as pine shavings even a year later. It needs to be pulled, then put into a compost bin and aged for quite awhile for good garden use.

Have you ever added your coop litter to the run after it has been used?

 

[aart]

Have you ever added your coop litter to the run after it has been used?

Not Blooie here, but.... yes, I do.
Twice a year I totally change out coop bedding, I get about 5-6 feed bags full then add it to the run litter in increments, depending on weather and run litter condition. I don't want to pile up too many 'fines'(pulverized poop and feed spills) at once. I once tossed it all out a pop door into a run that got less sun(so was 'wetter') and had fewer large wood chunks, it was nasty mess that took awhile and some work to balance back out, so am a bit more careful now. Putting it in bags is a little more work, and I'm lucky to have a dry storage to keep them for a few weeks, but it works better, IMO, as I'd rather avoid a problem then have to fix it.