Deep litter method

[sherylreno]

Quote:
That should almost be a motto.

In so many threads here, we see that many different approaches to the same problem can work.

 

[AllyRodrigues]

What are the best resources for the shavings you guys use? I used straw this year in my coop (it was my first year), but I think I'll try the deep litter method. Where can I get shavings in bulk?

Did I understand that the shavings can be used in both the covered and uncovered parts of the coop? For example, should I spread the shavings in the run where exposed to rain?


Thanks!

 

[GPSeniorchick]

What is DE?

 

[CherryChick]

We are building a new coop. We are hoping that the girls can move in next weekend especially since it is starting to get really cold out. We are going to polyurethane paint our plywood floor. I know it is a silly question but will the polyurethane paint mess in anyways with this method?

I have been reading about the deep litter method and would like to try this out this winter espeically for the great compost we can use for the garden, trees, and flower bedds in early spring.

 

[AlienChick]

I painted the floor of my previous coop and used a dry deep litter method and had no problems at all.

My new coop has an unpainted floor since I discovered it wasn't really necessary and I'm again using the dry deep litter method.

Also, for the winter months, the deep litter will help keep the chickens warm.

Enjoy your coop!

 

[jtbrown]

We ran ourselves short on time this spring and the chickens outgrew their brooder. We were hustling to get the coop done to get the girls in it. So we skipped painting the floor. I am using deep litter method and I cleaned ours out after 6 months in September (cleaned for first time). I got 8 loads of poo and shavings out of there. The floor looked like it had wood dust on it, no poo stuck ANYWHERE. I was shocked.

The deep litter method is great. We have plywood floors too, unpainted. I just never imagined it would stay so clean under all that poo and wood shavings. I have people comment, it doesn't stink, I thought chickens stunk to high heavens. When I cleaned the coop out, it took about one hour start to finish (taking things out, shoveling in to wheelbarrow, dusting with DE and sweet PDZ prior to putting new shavings down. I am all for easy as long as it does the job and deep litter does it for me.

 

[AlienChick]

Yeah, I was very surprised that my floor was so clean after half a year of use.

That's why on the second coop I didn't bother painting at all.

 

[AlienChick]

{double post}

 

[CherryChick]

Thanks for all the useful information!!!

 

[Bianca67]

Good to know! Am building first ever coop and was contemplating vinyl remnant for flooring but now wonder if I should just skip it.