Deep litter? What is best?

[3KillerBs]

Nothing will stay dry once put down in the run except for in June and July. Can't afford to roof it this year, but do have it covered with fishing nets and one small spot is covered. Was hoping for something that could be damp or wet.

Deep litter actually needs moisture to enable the composting process, but NOTHING will stay healthy and odor-free if it's constantly soggy.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I too would add yard clippings just not 6" deep all at once over the whole ground. A thin layer (1-2") added every few days is fine. The birds will stir it all up over and over so it is a rather well managed way to make great compost.
Pine needles, garden waste, fruit peels, pretty much all organic matter including bits of meat will be enjoyed by the birds. Just avoid poisonous plants and leftovers that have spoiled.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Nothing will stay dry once put down in the run except for in June and July. Can't afford to roof it this year, but do have it covered with fishing nets and one small spot is covered. Was hoping for something that could be damp or wet.

To STORE seasonal materials like dried leaves they must stay dry. I use a greenhouse to save up fall leaves. Once it gets used in the run it can get wet without issue. If storing them is not an option, then just dump what you get when you get it (i.e. fallen leaves in autumn) straight into the run.

 

[paintedChix]

Nothing will stay dry once put down in the run except for in June and July. Can't afford to roof it this year, but do have it covered with fishing nets and one small spot is covered. Was hoping for something that could be damp or wet.

Any natural material, though prefered to be dried first, is ok. pine straw, leaves, clippings from trees/shurbs that are pruned (don't want they sprayed or treated w/ chemicals), garden scraps IF you have the various sizes so it doesn't mat down and become slimey. Even shredded bills/junkmail/card board - BUT make sure you have availability of other items since this will pack down tight (think paper mache) when it gets wet.

Yes, what you remove from your coop will work in the run.

Some of what we have used - DLM