The medicated feed really smells bad if it gets damp...I couldn't figure out the smell then I mixed hot water and medicated feed....worse than the poop....but I do recommend medicated due to high prevelence of cocci particularly if damp. The wood shavings help. I took some pieces of 2 x6 to raise my water and feed and placed at opposite ends....I use large, large walmart plastic tubs. Then every other day add a bit more of pine shavings....Have 21 in the house 21 in garage. I move to garage after 4-5 weeks as power failure is common but usually not real long. Under 5 weeks technically temp should be 70 or higher...this temp can be difficult to acheive outdoors with powerfailure for even 2-3 hours. Also medical supply houses sell some real good odor eliminating compounds/sprays that can be placed in an automatic room freshner....that really works good.