Dirt floor vs linoleum for DLM

[Cryss]

Which is better and why? As for dirt floor, what about rain soaking in? And while were on the subject of wet...would a hanging waterer, not the nipple type, be dryer than one on the floor?
All opinions are welcome.

 

[azygous]

The type of floor is really immaterial. The critical issue is moisture, as you are aware. Preventing moisture buildup is important for preventing frostbite and the growth of unhealthy pathogens.

The type of waterer you choose is also immaterial as long as you take measures to prevent spills. I use Igloo five gallon water coolers in my run with vertical nipples, and I control drips by attaching plastic ice cube trays beneath to catch the drips and to prevent water from getting onto chicken feet in freezing weather.

If you have a run where your chickens spend daytime hours, there is no need for water to be in the coops, by the way.

 

[RollTideChicken]

As for dirt floor, what about rain soaking in?

I too am interested in an answer to this. I am about to build a new coop and was thinking about this very thing.

 

[lazy gardener]

Cryss, with DLM, on a soil floor, you need to start out with your coop in an area which does not have drainage issues. You should also be sure that you have a good functional skirt to help prevent infliltration by rodents. Good ventilation, and lots of it is also key for a true functional deep composting litter.

Many people keep a deep litter, but it is not a composting litter. The primary difference is the type of substrate, and the amount of moisture. Deep litter, typically shavings which is dry will not compost.

But, if the litter is made up of more natural and varied materials: leaves, grass clippings, garden debris, AGED wood chips, hay, straw, and there is moisture involved, you will have a true COMPOSTING deep litter.

As for your waterer, yes, it's a good idea to keep it elevated. I built a stand for my heated waterer. Other folks use cinder blocks. Hanging the waterer is also a wonderful option.

My friend, @Beekissed is the queen of composting deep litter. She actually has to ADD moisture to her DL to ensure that it is not too dry! I'll see if I can find her video.

I was not able to find her video, but here's a post that shows a pic of her DL. You can see that it is a far cry different than dry deep shavings litter. Look at post # 2137.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/deep-litter-method.70/page-214#post-17614733

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Fact-toid of the day..
They stopped making Linoleum in the 60's or so. It was "green paper backed" asbestos lined.
Now a days it is called Vinyl sheet flooring. "Grey paper backed" with fiberglass composition. The paper on both products gives it a slight cushion.
linoleum is considered a Haz Mat in the flooring industry. It requires to be drenched with water while being mutilated during removal.

 

[lazy gardener]

And, I would not use the grey paper backed material. The higher grade material is vinyl all the way through, kind of rubbery with no papery or cardboardy backer. There is also Black Jack. If doing a new construct, I think I'd use that and go about 12" up the walls with it.

 

[Cryss]

And, I would not use the grey paper backed material. The higher grade material is vinyl all the way through, kind of rubbery with no papery or cardboardy backer. There is also Black Jack. If doing a new construct, I think I'd use that and go about 12" up the walls with it.

Do you mean this stuff? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Roberts...e-and-Engineered-Wood-Floors-70-026/202549346

 

[lazy gardener]

No. this stuff:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/BLACK-JACK...wWp9TqR6Nq2Eb-ycB8OZNjAO_ZJymkPoaAmSkEALw_wcB

 

[Cryss]

Ah! Paint it on. Ok, I'll keep that in mind. Thank you!

 

[lazy gardener]

I've never used it, but have heard good reports.