How do I keep my duck coop clean?

[Disjewel1]

I went to the feed store to get some straw to start to winterize the co-op for my ducks and chickens. 1 coop with a second level for the chickens. The feed store was out of straw so I got feed hay which was actually cheaper. I live in Maine where it gets VERY cold. If i layer shavings and leaves can I also use hay? Is it ok for the ducks and chicks? It isn't moldy mulch hay. The feed store said it was ok but i would rather ask you experts!❤
Thank you in advance for any tips/answers!

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

I can put plywood onto ground in the coop part too! I like to have shavings in there for rainy days!

I really like stall mats, they dont mold,
They are readily available and easy to clean

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

This is why i love stall mats, these are a couple pictures of cleaning out my duck coop tonight. As you can see that have a hole cut out so the water drains, otherwise i shovel out and rake the corners once a week, right into the tractor bucket, if i use the little one like i did tonight it takes 2 trips, they still get the shavings wet underneath around the water bucket, so sometimes i shovel that out when i fluff things up in between changing. Really doesn’t stink and even the pile of old shavings doesn’t

stink more than say bark mulch will.

 

[mutherclucker99]

This is why i love stall mats, these are a couple pictures of cleaning out my duck coop tonight. As you can see that have a hole cut out so the water drains, otherwise i shovel out and rake the corners once a week, right into the tractor bucket, if i use the little one like i did tonight it takes 2 trips, they still get the shavings wet underneath around the water bucket, so sometimes i shovel that out when i fluff things up in between changing. Really doesn’t stink and even the pile of old shavings doesn’t View attachment 2338134View attachment 2338137View attachment 2338138View attachment 2338139View attachment 2338140View attachment 2338141 stink more than say bark mulch will.

Are those pvc feeders in the duck house? I really like how the part you fill is on the outside. Do those work well for you?

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

Are those pvc feeders in the duck house? I really like how the part you fill is on the outside. Do those work well for you?

Yes, i like them a lot, there is minimal spillage and it stays dry, so minimal waste, i use the rubber stall mat trimmings as dipsticks to check levels, and i use the caps during the day(when I remember) to keep from feeding the chimpunks quite so much.

 

[3bird]

I went to the feed store to get some straw to start to winterize the co-op for my ducks and chickens. 1 coop with a second level for the chickens. The feed store was out of straw so I got feed hay which was actually cheaper. I live in Maine where it gets VERY cold. If i layer shavings and leaves can I also use hay? Is it ok for the ducks and chicks? It isn't moldy mulch hay. The feed store said it was ok but i would rather ask you experts!❤
Thank you in advance for any tips/answers!

I thought I already responded to this, but I don't see it...so I'll add our two cents. We are also in Maine (though on the coast, which keeps winter temps a little warmer). We use the deep litter method. Our duckhouse is 4'x8', and we start with several bags of pine shavings. We then add straw on top (they much prefer the straw when it comes to building their nests). As the season progresses, we spot clean 2x/day and then add more straw as needed. We clean out once or twice a year. We never put water or food in the duckhouse (they have 24/7 access to food and water in the run 99% of the time).

When you say "feed hay," what do you mean? Is it straight hay or a hay product like hay mixed with molasses?