Deep litter method?

[Annalyse]

Wood is absorbent, rubber is not. But removing the leaky waterer should help with the moisture build up. And stirring the litter should allow air to help dry it up some

yes the leaky water is remvoed and has been replaced

 

[Onyxflock]

yes the leaky water is remvoed and has been replaced

I'm sort of worried about my new house this winter. It's plywood on top of plastic. Not sure how it will go, but it's a better set up - using a new plastic Shed for my 5 girls.

 

[Annalyse]

I'm sort of worried about my new house this winter. It's plywood on top of plastic. Not sure how it will go, but it's a better set up - using a new plastic Shed for my 5 girls.View attachment 2366266

idk how to help you maybe make sure its sturdy in case of wind during winter and predator proof.

 

[3KillerBs]

it always smells in there but sometimes if I'm lucky it doesn't. when I start the DLM ill give an update.

If it ALWAYS smells of chicken poop and ammonia I have to wonder if you've got adequate ventilation.

The best ventilation is up high at the roof peak over the chickens' heads because heat and ammonia both rise and because no wind will blow on the birds that way.

It's recommended to have at least 1 square foot of ventilation per bird. The pop door that you close at night and windows that are closed in the winter are supplemental ventilation that don't count toward that total.

 

[Annalyse]

If it ALWAYS smells of chicken poop and ammonia I have to wonder if you've got adequate ventilation.

The best ventilation is up high at the roof peak over the chickens' heads because heat and ammonia both rise and because no wind will blow on the birds that way.

It's recommended to have at least 1 square foot of ventilation per bird. The pop door that you close at night and windows that are closed in the winter are supplemental ventilation that don't count toward that total.

you can find my other thread that is "keeping the coop warm in winter" something like that. there pictures of the ventilation.

 

[aart]

you can find my other thread that is "keeping the coop warm in winter" something like that. there pictures of the ventilation.

It's here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-keep-the-coop-warm.1420712/
....and we are still waiting for more pics showing the whole coop and run.

 

[One Lucky Momma]

i have these herbs meant for chickens that make it smell better I use those alot.

Plant material with delicious fragrance does make for a nicer coop ambiance (and some suggest it helps the birds lay better) but if it’s masking ammonia or mustiness from damp bedding then it’s not really doing you or the birds any favors.

Better to get things ventilated and dried out, then add your aromatics! Basil and lavender are especially nice. I pull up whole spent plants of basil and toss them in the coop. Heaven.