Deep litter method

[armorfirelady]

I use pine shaving, leaves, the wood chips from cutting wood, grass clipping, wood ash, peat moss..........anything that's free

 

[RoseMarie1]

I use pine shaving, leaves, the wood chips from cutting wood, grass clipping, wood ash, peat moss..........anything that's free

I heard that, free is ALWAYS good. I want me some pine shavings but not found any yet for free. They usually come through cutting the right a ways so I am chomping at the bits for them to come by this year. Dump ALL YOU WANT on my property! lol

 

[armorfirelady]

Well I pay for the pine shavings but I got them for a steal at $5 a bale. But I hope to take some trees down soon and I plan on renting a chipper to make shavings

 

[Mohawk Chickens]

Ok. I am starting my larger coop soon. I commandeered my shed for the coop and feed storage. I, too, am wanting to do the deep litter method. My brother is willing to save all his shavings from cutting wood. He keeps 'clean' shavings separate from the 'dirty' shavings; wood with glues like plywoods. What I am reading is we can use pretty much anything as long as it is not toxic to the ladies. I too am waiting patiently for the tree cutters to make their way through my community. I have clay soil and read that adding wood chips can help balance out the soil. I will be adding this to their run, too, as like I said soil is clay and when it rains there are still puddles in there. I have HUGE tarp covering the run but still puddles.

 

[Arielle]

What did you use for your deep litter? Do you have a pic of it ?

IF you haven't had a chance yet, try to read the thread from the beginning, it is a great read, full of ideas and solutions. I use what I have avaialble: shavings and sawdust, leaves and small sticks. I"m finding that a thick base is definitely helpful . I have one pen I am adding to several times a week to get the level of material up.

 

[Arielle]

Well I pay for the pine shavings but I got them for a steal at $5 a bale. But I hope to take some trees down soon and I plan on renting a chipper to make shavings

A chipper?? I"m officially envious!!

 

[AmyPaperlady]

A chipper?? I"m officially envious!!

Me too--we've a trailer full of cherry branches and no way to make them into bedding

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Me too--we've a trailer full of cherry branches and no way to make them into bedding

Wild Cherry leaves can be toxic to animals.
I don't know about the wood itself.
Personally, I'd save it for smoking meat ,and chip up some evergreens

 

[AmyPaperlady]

It's not a wild cherry...

 

[Arielle]

Quote:

It's not a wild cherry...

WOuld that make a difference willd v not wold?

I would use the cherry for smoking too or sell it to some one who does and buy a ton of shavings!! BUt that is just me.