Deep litter method

[feeding frenzy]

I would have to guess a couple months? I got the hens in early August and by looking back at pictures by the end of September beginning of October it was already starting to compost down. That would of been when I was adding grass clippings & leaves as well. I think using different materials helped it to break down faster.

I notice the same thing with my compost pile. The more variety of materials the quicker it breaks down.

Thanks, good to know amorfirelady!

 

[Brandi Leigh]

My family uses the deep litter method and I would have to say it is great! The smell is minimal and it makes tending chickens all the easier!

 

[Arielle]

I"m reprinting this from Gallo----- post on deep littler. IMO he talks about points that I haven't read much about yet that can impact the outcome of the process.

"The deep litter system is honestly hard to get right. Took me 3 years...lol.. Some of what I discovered- More ventilation is better, see " Fresh air Poultry Houses" book. The best litter is clean wheat or oat straw, second best wood shavings. Also tried wood chips, leaves, and hay-those can mold, which is a problem in and of itself. The generally suggested amounts of chickens per square foot is still way too many for this sort of system. Especially in winter. Especially with large dual purpose breeds. I used to stock them at 3 sq foot per bird. That was too many birds for a deep litter system in the winter for me. I aim for more like 6-10 sq foot per birds now. I also switched to lighter, more active, "gamier" breeds-they will stir things up more. Also, only feed pellets once a day, in morning, as much as they clean up in 5 minutes. They should be hungry, they will scratch more then. Feed whole grains in afternoon/evening, whole oats especially really firms up their droppings. Making those changes really fixed things for me. "

 

[feeding frenzy]

good to know Arielle!

 

[armorfirelady]

Since its a beautiful 60 degrees today I spent some time cleaning the coop. I took about 3 garbage cans out of the small doll house coop since its so hard to turn in there. Plus it was so high it was only about 6 inches from roost.

Here is what my deep litter looks like in my enclosed 4x8 run after I turned it.

It looks high but give the hens a few hours in here and it will be packed back down. I started it in August and its about 12 inches deep before its turned. I added some leaves this morning as well.

And here is proof the DL is doing its job. I found this worm this morning while turning the DL. Now remember we have been in a deep freeze the last month or so and ground has been frozen but e dirt under the DL is still soft hence the earth worm.

 

[leonasangels]

I liveon 8 acres of woods.I'm concerned about my chicke s getting ticks on them?

 

[AlienChick]

Getting ticks on them? . . . or eating too many of them?

 

[leonasangels]

I'm new at chicken raising..

[COLOR=000033]Getting ticks on them? . . . or eating too many of them?  [/COLOR]

 

[Arielle]

I'm new at chicken raising..

Quote: I used to worry about the ticks too--we are loaded with deer ticks here, then one day I was watching the birds, they can reach almost everywhere.

I have seen a decrease in house flies too.

 

[girlyfish68]

I need a little help. I am using deep litter method in an old coop using straw over earth floor. Have 29 free ranging birds, coop is 10x20. I keep getting an ammonia smell. I have been taking away the poop-caked straw every morning (just off the top) and turning the whole mess daily. Seems when it rains the soil wicks up the moisture from outside and I end up with ammonia smell. Should I turn to pine shavings instead of straw or add zeolite or DE to the floor? A few of my girls have had swollen shut eyes, weird sores on the eyes that get big, turn black and then fall off. I suspect this is from ammonia. I'm not sure what my next move should be. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!