How often do you...

[DWavs]

How often, on average, do you change the bedding in your coop? I am currently using pine shavings in a 4' x 8' coop.

Thanks!

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Quote:
I've got a two story 4x8 coop that I keep about an inch of shavings on. On the top level I have four adult hens, on the bottom I have 10 babies ranging from 2 to 4 months old.

I change my bedding weekly. If you wait to long the excrement that builds up can lead to coccidiosis and other diseases.

 

[CritterHill]

Well, with the deep litter method it is supposed to be once a year, right?

Here is a link (found via BYC search) to someone's BYC page that had some good info (and more links!) to deep litter method stuff:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1560-DLM

Edited to add link to DLM stuff

 

[dogzrule5]

Is it absolutely necessary to use any kind of litter??? The reason I ask is that I have a dirt floor barn. During the day, the roosters free range while the three adult hens are in an 8 x 8 dog pen. The only buildup of poop is under where they roost at night.

My chicks are in a small brooder, and that does need to be cleaned out this week.

I'll dig out the pile in the barn if it gets a few inches thick - in just a small area. The only time I know I've battled coccidia is with a couple of little chicks.

Maybe this is dumb luck again???

Phyllis