for those that use deep litter method...please advise me

[Ragdlgrl]

Hi. I use the deep litter method on my coop. I change it twice a year. Pretty much you keep adding shavings, keeping it stirred up, plus add in helpers if it starts to smell, or even before. I use DE/Sweet PDZ and stir it up every few days. Some people use hydrated lime. You can also throw BOSS in the shavings to let the chickens stir it up. Just changed my shavings after six months and they look almost too clean to compost.

read through this:

http://www.plamondon.com/faq_deep_litter.html

I've never had any cocci problems, fwiw.

I am a new chicken mom so I am not an expert but I have read quite a bit and everything I read says to not use DE with the deep liter method. It will kill off the microbes necessary to the success and benefits of the deep liter method. I understand that PDZ and First Saturday Lime are both ok.

 

[AGeese]

Hi,

I am interested in learning more about the deep litter method.

Background:
- I am a first time chicken owner.
- I have 13 hens and 1 roo
- I have an enclosed pen and run.

This is how I have been cleaning my coop...
1. take out all old shavings
2. use leaf blower to blow out all dust and hidden poop
3. use hose to spray out coop
4. spray down coop with bleach solution
5. use hose again to wash out bleach solution
6. put down insect dust on coop floor
7. put clean shaving in coop.

Here is a pic of my coop and run if helpful.

I do this every month. Not only is it wearing me out

I could imagine. If the bleach didn't kill me the work would.


2. Do you really only have to clean the coop 1-2 times a year?
Correct. Seasonal cleaning, spring, and fall.

3. How much litter do you add when adding new litter?
I usually just spot add covering any droppings, and turn it over with a rake, fork, or shovel routinely.

4. How healthy is this for the chickens?
It's fine as long as you keep adding and turning. They will help with the turning part. You just don't want to see any droppings building up as that's when they step in it and gets it stuck to their feet. So as long as you're adding and turning it under you're good.