Deep Litter Method Question

[AngieB]

We have our 5-weekers out in the coop. They don't have access to the outdoor run (it's being built!) and they mostly live on the floor, so the coop is kind of like a big brooder. We have about 3 to 5 inches of pine shavings on the floor in about a 10 by 10 area with 12 chicks. It's looking pretty poopy! But it doesn't stink. We have their food and water hanging, so that is staying clean.

Do you think I need to change out the pine shavings occasionally until the chickens are spending some time outside? Or maybe add a few more inches? They don't sleep on their high roost yet, so the poop board isn't collecting poop yet, it's all ending up on the floor in the shavings. Should I be kind of raking it every day to bury the poop?

I'm new at this - can you tell?

 

[herefordlovinglady]

Angie, mine started getting the same way until my run was finished. i did use DE and I did rake the top layer of shavings to help out and i did place some newer shavings for the top layer. once they went out to the run the smell wasn't as bad and i cleaned the coop and replaced everything.

hope this helped you.

ETA:

 

[AngieB]

Thank you - that is very helpful!!

I don't have any DE yet. I haven't found a local source for food grade. Do you think it's important to use right now in the coop? And at what age do people add some to the food?

I would appreciate a good source to get some online, or if anyone in Michigan can suggest a place to buy it!

Thanks again

 

[herefordlovinglady]

Angie there is so much information on DE on this thread. do a search for DE method and you will have a full day of reading. where are you located? i have source for DE in Georgia. if you would like the info i will be happy to get it to you. I have DE in my coop and my chicks went in at 6 weeks old.

 

[AngieB]

Thanks - I'll start reading! And making calls to see if any of the feed stores in the area carry it

 

[herefordlovinglady]

just make sure you get food quality...

 

[wildorchid053]

the de dries poop out really fast and removes the odors. we have used it in our coop since last fall and it is still fresh smelling.. we have a poop board under the roost so 90% of the poop lands on there.. easier to keep the floor clean.. just clean the poop board occasionally and your coop will stay fresh.. we used deep litter under the poop board too. if you turn over the shavings after you sprinkle the de on it helps the poop become compost and you can leave it in there.. as long as your coop is dry