Floor litter

[debb7898]

Hey guys, this will be my first year keeping chickens, they are just now starting to lay....my question is im wanting to use litter for compost, i have hay and shavings in there now, do i need to take the hay out, and just use potting soil/dirt, and shavings, then just a small amount of hay for warmth, we have a coop already, and we will be putting windows in a couple of frames...im on a limited budget any suggestions. thanks.We have a slab floor, with 12 roosting boxes

 

[Judy]

You can compost most any plant matter, it's just that some things break down faster than others. On the other hand, having manure in it helps it break down faster. (I've read not to put meat in it yet I've also read on here that many people even do this.) We use hay and pine shavings in the coop, and compost everything we rake out, which includes some soil since it is a dirt floor. I wound not spend money on potting soil to put in the coop. You could also use dried leaves, pine straw, shredded paper -- many things.

 

[debb7898]

thankyou so much Judy....they got treats yesterday after joining and reading the posts here....I loved it, and had a blast, they are hilarious they had a great day!
I have to clean coop completely in november, and it will b cold by them. So im going to put shavings and a lil dirt, and a lil hay for warmth....and also, Im wondering, I did read a post that said, something about a submersible water heatere, and im on disability so looking or as much free and low cost as i can find, i searched for a few (aquarium) heaters, but I have the plastic, 1 gallon feeders, so I dont know if I can use an aquarium heater any ideas? God Bless you

 

[debb7898]

okay nother question?

What is the shelf life of eggs once they are layed, and refrigerated? Im planning on selling some of mine, and its not in my book. I heard it was like 90 days, and Im assuming that is refrigerated. Thanks, Debb