Deep litter method vs. sand: Who's tired both?

[rolffamily]

Actually, I am doing both right now - in the same 10 x 10 building. My coop is divided in half by a wall with a screen door. Each side has it's own pop door leading outside to seperate runs. One side is meant for my 5 layers and the other side for meaties (which I only raise in spring and fall). In winter the screen door is open to give my layers full access and lots more room.

We had poured a deep footing to set the coop on and then filled it with sand. In wnter I have pine shavings on top of the sand in the layer side so that it is warmer on their feet. The other side I left plain with just the sand. The layers go back and forth and don't seem to be fussy about what side they are on. I choose to toss any treats on the sand side so that they aren't eating shavings that might stick on to the scraps.

Clean up is pretty much the same on both sides. I walk thru in the morning and pick up the big chunks with a long handled cat scoop. Maybe once a week I'll rake up the rest. And of course I have a board under the roost. Love my setup.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

If it helps with your choice, you shouldn't have a stinky coop with either method. If you do, you need to change how you're managing it. Just post that you have an odor problem in your coop and ask for suggestions. People can help you through it.

 

[SDR]

Quote:
As the OP of this thread I'm glad you posted this. I'm sure there is going to be some trial and error regardless of which method I go with. The number one aspect I'm weighing is cost. I can get a couple tons of river sand delivered pretty cheap. But what good is a couple ton's of river sand going to do me if I end up switching to deep litter? The Number two consideration is ease of maintenance.

I appreciate all the input so far.

 

[darncat]

I just started and used 4 inches of sand in the coop...OMG!! How do you clean it?????? I go to rake and think i am just raking it into the sand. Will this hurt my hens? Need help with this...PLEASE!