How thick to lay bedding on concrete flooring?

I'm doing the same thing and have read about deep bedding. This way I can (supposedly) do a total clean-out about every six months. I plan to start with about 2 inches and add an inch every few week until I get about 8 inches deep. I think the spring/summer/fal will support this, however, in the winter I plan to supplement the deep bed ith chopped straw.

 

I start with not less than 3-4" of reasonably-compacted shavings to start with on concrete. By reasonably compacted I mean "after you pat them down with your rake or walk on them a bit, not all super-fluffy right outta the bale". I find that if I put in less, they create too many bare spots.

But honestly, I'd say just put "some" in, let the chickens live with it for a day, see if they are making a lot of bare spots. If so, add more. If not, then you're good

I use a lot more in the wintertime to keep them warm.

You cannot count on "the" (there is no such thing) deep litter method to provide you with a certain schedule of cleanout, there are an infinite number of ways of doing it, only some of which will work well for your particular setup. Experiment, don't expect some particular outcome, just see what works best for you.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

Should you use straw (like as in bales of hay) or pine shavings for this?