deep litter

[fil76]

can you deep litter with a broody & chicks, keep putting shavings on top of droppings
cheers fil

 

[RodNTN]

Hi there! Hmm, maybe. I have tried doing deep litter before (with an adult flock) but my results were not what I had hoped for.

Deep litter is fine with a mature flock, but I wouldn't recommend with young chicks. They need their bedding changed often (I usually change every other day, and I start changing less and less as they get older). As their immune systems are very susceptible for illness.
And using the deep litter method could cause Coccidiosis I used the deep litter method once with my chicks (there were no wet or moist spots) and most of them didn't take the dust well.

What type of bedding are you using? I would strongly suggest pine shavings

 

[lazy gardener]

Absolutely yes! Studies have shown that chicks reared on top of old bedding have better feed conversion rates, and improved viability in comparison to chicks reared on fresh litter. Deep litter absolutely does not cause coccidiosis. If any thing, it will help to improve immunity to cocci as well as other pathogens. The beneficial microbes in the DL act to keep the pathogens in check while at the same time inoculating the chick's gut with healthy microbes.

Common sense needs to prevail. Simply be sure that the hen does not get overly exuberant and bury her chicks in the DL! Generally, that is not an issue at all.

However, WET litter of any kind will increase risk of coccidiosis, be it DL, or standard shavings. It's also important to see to it that the chick's water does not get contaminated with feces.

When I raise chicks (without a broody) I simply keep adding fresh shavings to top off the old as needed. When I had a broody, she and her chicks were on the same DL that the rest of the flock was on.

 

[SwtGrc]

Are you @lazy gardener talking about DL in the henhouse, run or everywhere??
I have pretty much bare dirt (and rocks) on the ground of my run. Would you recommend DL?

 

[lazy gardener]

I use DL in both the coop and the run. However to be most effective in the coop, you should have a soil floor. DL is especially effective in the run. IMO, bare soil in the run is an unhealthy situation. Simply start putting compostable materials (focus on the high carbon materials) into the run with a goal of having the materials be a minimum of 6" deep. Leaves, wood chips, used shavings (if you use them) or any other coop bedding, hay, straw are high carbon materials. Grass clippings, weeds, garden debris are high nitrogen, and balance out the high carbon materials. Of course chicken poo is also high nitrogen. You will be amazed at how busy your flock stays working on the DL materials. They will find plenty to eat in there as they work to turn it into sweet fragrant compost.