Deep litter method?

[Riven]

I read information on "how" to do the deep litter method, but what I don't understand is why?

I know that different things work for different people, etc.

What I want to know is there a "reason" for doing it? To me when bedding is dirty, you take it out, clean the area and put new in. When I was reading about this deep litter method it seemed to me that you just keep mixing in fresh bedding with the old building up what is there. Eventually it would all need to come out anyway right? Otherwise eventually you'd be hitting your head on the roof!

Not judging, just don't understand it, so please enlighten me on the subject if someone can.

 

[Mahonri]

Some folks use the 'deep litter' method in cold climes in the winter to add warmth to the coop.

I sweep and mop my coop everyweek.

I don't worry about warmth around here, ever.

12:30AM and it's still 99 degrees outside.

 

[cmom]

I agree. Deep litter is used more for warmth in the winter. I use it in cold weather. I guess you can clean out your coop every day which I do somewhat. I sprinkle more litter down and when it gets around around 6 inches I change it out and put the old litter with the poop in my compost piles and put new litter in the coop with some FOOD GRADE Diatomaceous Earth (DE) sprinkled in.

 

[chevydmax04]

I use the deep litter method here in Wisconsin. During summer I do just what you said, out with the old in with the new. I will clean it until approx end of Sept then I start letting it pile up, I like to get it about 18" deep for winter. Coop is insulated and stays nice and warm on bitter cold days and nights.

 

[jerseygirl1]

My coop has no insulation, so I let it pile up and add more thru the winter this first year, then I'll clean it out . Winters are cold here and you could freeze your

off

 

[ChickieKeeta]

Here is a link that explains deep litter is healthy for the chickens.
http://www.plamondon.com/faq_deep_litter.html

 

[Riven]

Interesting article but I'm going to have to ask some points.

If you're using a dirt floor with shavings on it, it should maintain the same properties for keeping small amounts of cocci.

I personally would have to see it in person, I'm not set up to do it as I have "mini coops" inside my coop with runs on them, I wouldn't be able to open the doors. I actually just toss the used litter out into the pen and they dig through it some more, and usually it's not really very dirty anyway.

But again, good article, that is the best one I'd seen.

 

[strictlyliable]

Deep littler makes sense, its like sheet mulching and laying down cover crops or anything else for that matter. It seems like the top layer is essentially really porous dirt/straw mixture, that eventually goes down to straight soil through composting. You wouldn't want to add anything for the purpose of composting, but it would save on labor and everything.

I suppose the only thing I would worry about are any insects getting into the litter and nesting. But then with some exceptions the birds would eat the bugs. I think this is worth a shot.

Good article too.

 

[Big Chicken Little]

Quote:
This is a great link and so informative ...many thanks !!