Deep litter method

[Leahs Mom]

Just a regular water-based EXTERIOR paint. I think mine was a Benjamin Moore but that's only because I happen to work for a place that sells paint and that brand was on sale at the moment. As long as it exterior you should be fine.

You just want it to cure for awhile so it doesn't end up just scratching off and contaminating the litter. I painted in the sprint and the birds weren't in until about 2 weeks later. I don't have it on the floor, however. It was on everything else that comes in contact with the litter.

 

[tdgill]

there shouldn't be enough moisture to do anything to the floor....I've had chickens for four years in my shed. things are nice and dry

 

[Arielle]

there shouldn't be enough moisture to do anything to the floor....I've had chickens for four years in my shed. things are nice and dry

Is the bottom layer composted ??

 

[tdgill]

I doubt it. I don't think I am really doing the dlm.

I'd love to see some pics of everyone's deep litter and progress....

anyone?

 

[Chicken Myster]

Who's got pics?
Thanks
Chicken Myster

 

[armorfirelady]

Here are mine

I use pine shavings, grass, leaves, pine needles & hay/straw and wood ashes.

And here is an earth worm I found in December in the dirt under the DL........the dirt is still soft under the DL and that's why I found the worm in December while we were in a deep freeze.

 

[ynendine]

how much de do you through in? my coop will be 4x8 with 6 to 7 chickens in it

 

[armorfirelady]

Well I only add bedding like once a month or so. I've probably used 3 bales of shavings & 1 1/2 bales of straw plus a few bags of leaves since I started in August. Compressed its about 12-16 inches thick. Fluffed after I turn it its probably over 2 ft lol

 

[hopefulpeeps]

I'm assuming you need to build a pretty tall coop to be able to do the DLM??? How does that work if you have "fixed" exterior nestboxes?

 

[Arielle]

Quote:
May I ask what is the floor space ( width x length) and how many birds ( LF or bantam)?