Help! Best way to keep a tiny run/hen house clean?

[msjones]

We are brand-new owners of 3 sweet hens. They have a tiny coop/run -- the run is 30"x66". (We plan to make a tractor so they can be out in the yard some, but due to lots of coons, dogs, etc., they won't be free to run in the yard very often.)

The 'floor' of the run is currently open to the dirt ground, which they seem to like. I have scattered shavings in there to soak up some of the mess. But, I don't see how to keep that clean. They're in there most of the day for now (until we build that tractor), so it's messy.

My question: Can I do the deep litter method in such a small space? Do I just keep adding shavings? How many shavings? Can I do that in the henhouse (where there are locked up tight each night)?

That seems like it will just be stinky.

I feel pretty clueless,

so I hope someone can suggest something practical.

Also the shavings seem pricey. Could I use straw instead? I'd love to hear some suggestions.

 

[eggsrcool]

How about shredded newspaper? It pretty cheap? I'm about to change over to shredded newspaper to save money. It may or may not work though

 

[CMV]

Lots of folks here use sand. A thick layer of sand allows for drainage and anything left on the top can be easily raked out.
I personally hate the deep litter method although I am forced to use it in my run during the winter. I think it is unhygienic and stinky.
Good luck.

 

[annek]

I use shavings from TSC, they are not expensive. A big bag will cost 5.00 and 2 of them do my 8x8 coop. I do the deep litter method and use a container with Sweet PDZ in it to catch the droppings and it dries them out. I also sprinkle sweet PDZ in with the shavings and it keeps the smell down. I fluff it every few days and I try to clean up the bad poop spots. Flies are not bad and smell is not bad either. You can use Stall Dry if you can't find the other, it is for horse stall ammonia.

 

[tdkmom]

We switched over to sand. Eliminated all odor and no waste. Just wear barn boots if you don't want sand all over your toes.