Deep litter method?

[Mrs. K]

I really like Ridgerunners point. Use your nose. If it don’t feel damp in there, if it don’t smell, it is a good set up.

Mine spend the day outside, I have wind protection shelter outside. The wind is my big issue. It is pretty arid here. Climate, coop size, number of birds all effect this.

 

[Annalyse]

I really like Ridgerunners point. Use your nose. If it don’t feel damp in there, if it don’t smell, it is a good set up.

Mine spend the day outside, I have wind protection shelter outside. The wind is my big issue. It is pretty arid here. Climate, coop size, number of birds all effect this.

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

 

[Ridgerunner]

As I said, time will tell, especially this winter. I'll be looking for your update.

It sounds as if you might have a small elevated coop as they are scratching the bedding out. A photo could help but it sounds like you need a higher lip to stop them scratching it out.

 

[Onyxflock]

I agree.. You need to raise the waterers if they are ground level, get them up out of the floor litter. A brick or similar would do the trick. But with rubber excess moisture may not be good.
DLM, I rake it daily to get new poop off the top and keep odors down. Once in a while add more litter material & chickens like that. Clean out completely & sanitize 2x a year & add new litter. Old litter heads to compost pile.
Like Rangerover says, if your birds can spend time out of the coop, it helps keep the roosting house clean

 

[Onyxflock]

Sorry Ridgerunner! Not Rangerover ... my bad

 

[Annalyse]

yes you might be able to find my coop pictures in other threads I've posted. it is small but I'm going to figure something out before first snow.

 

[Onyxflock]

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

You might look for natural odor management - but more you need to find the source of your odor. Some odor is expected, but not "always smells".
A rubber base will trap fluids, & the litter will soak it up. Unless you have an open area or breeze that can allow it to dry out, it will "fester" & smell. That's when the ratio of litter needs to increase, or remove the rubber.

 

[Annalyse]

You might look for natural odor management - but more you need to find the source of your odor. Some odor is expected, but not "always smells".
A rubber base will trap fluids, & the litter will soak it up. Unless you have an open area or breeze that can allow it to dry out, it will "fester" & smell. That's when the ratio of litter needs to increase, or remove the rubber.

wouldn't it do the same to wood flooring? And I have a window that can open to a screen plus the chicken hatch and vents

 

[Annalyse]

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

 

[Onyxflock]

wouldn't it do the same to wood flooring? And I have a window that can open to a screen plus the chicken hatch and vents

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