How often do I change the bedding and HELP they're eating the door!!!

[RJSchaefer]

We're using a detached garage (quite large) for our chickens/rabbits (hung cages). They moved up to Freedom Status last night and now have free run.

First thing, which is multiple parts.

1. Can I use shredded newspaper (cheap) instead of pine shavings (expensive)?
2. How much should I lay?
3. Should I cover the whole floor?
4. How often do I change it?

I've read all kinds of books - ranging from the 1870s to now - and none of them really address this.

Second thing
They're eating the garage door!!!

The inside is foam board something or other. There was a little ding, one of them found it and began pecking. Now all of them are flocking to it and ripping it apart.

Help!

 

[cameronfarm]

Paper is not as absorbant as shavings. I expect that to work but quickly become a nasty mess. Shavings are $5 for a huge bag that should last you a month or so.

You only need a light dusting.

Cover anywhere you want it to be easier to clean up the poop.

I clean my coops every 1 - 2 weeks and check on the nests daily to see if they need freshening.

 

[cameronfarm]

Paper is not as absorbant as shavings. I expect that to work but quickly become a nasty mess. Shavings are $5 for a huge bag that should last you a month or so.

You only need a light dusting.

Cover anywhere you want it to be easier to clean up the poop.

I clean my coops every 1 - 2 weeks and check on the nests daily to see if they need freshening.

As for the door, seal it up with metal or wood.

 

[RJSchaefer]

Light dusting? Phew. That's a lot better than the 3" to 5" I keep hearing about!

I can't seal it with wood. It's a rolling garage door (wood/metal means no rolling). I'm thinking metal window screening right now...

 

[RJSchaefer]

I had an epiphany while staring at my porch roof. It's lined with very very thin pieces of aluminum and we just happen to have several more bundles of it in the barn. I do believe I have a solution to the door eating chickens. Thanks for the idea!

 

[cameronfarm]

No problem When I first put chickens in a small barn with concrete floor my buddy laughed at me because of the amount of bedding I used. He was right and I was wrong As long as it has a light covering and you clean it on a regular bases it scrapes right off. All the extra bedding is just a waste of money.

 

[QuietPony]

I think the 3-5 inches you are hearing about is where the Deep littler method (DLM) is concerned.
This would be inside a permanent coop, and when done correctly, will ideally only need to me completely cleaned out a couple times a year.

I have my chicks in a brooder right now with about an inch of shavings which I add to every day, and completely refresh every three days.
They are in my kitchen and so far my dogs still smell worse.