Deep Litter Questions

[brendave]

Nice!
How hard was moving the upper inches to get to the good stuff?
How big is your coop?

I have a 6x10 Woods Open Air Coop. It took a full morning to clean out the composted DL. I piled half the top, uncomposted litter on one side and shoveled out the bottom half, then shifted the litter to the other side. I left an inch of compost on the bottom. I have found that the DLM isn't like hot composting. It doesn't need to be turned as much. If I notice a build up of poop I may turn over the litter with a fork but for the most part, I just let the chickens scratch and turn it over.

 

[aart]

I have a 6x10 Woods Open Air Coop. It took a full morning to clean out the composted DL. I piled half the top, uncomposted litter on one side and shoveled out the bottom half, then shifted the litter to the other side. I left an inch of compost on the bottom. I have found that the DLM isn't like hot composting. It doesn't need to be turned as much. If I notice a build up of poop I may turn over the litter with a fork but for the most part, I just let the chickens scratch and turn it over.

Dirt 'floor'?

 

[brendave]

Dirt 'floor'?

Yes, dirt floor. I think it helped the composting start.