Methods on how to do the Deep Litter?

[Sophia5]

I'm confused with my litter because has always been damp, pretty much damp dirt.
How do you make so that it's dry?

 

[appps]

Maybe if you share exactly what you're putting down and your method we may be able to spot what is causing the dampness.

 

[LoneOak]

What are you using for litter material? Is it pine shavings, wheat straw, hay just what product are you using? You most likely just need to add more material and keep it stirred a little better until it starts working right. Good ventilation is also a must with a deep litter coop as the ventilation takes out the moisture and helps keep your litter dry. How big a space do you have and how many birds are using that space?

A lot of time if your deep litter is working right you can just sprinkle some scratch feed on top of it and the birds will stir it up for you.

 

[Sophia5]

Sorry sure, I put down about 20cm of wood shavings

 

[appps]

Hmm. I use wood shavings too and the very bottom layer can get a little damp where it absorbs moisture from the ground but the top always looks dry.

Are you in a damp area with wet ground or something?

 

[Sophia5]

My chicken house is about 2x3m and I've got 11 chickens (counting 5 small bantams) and yes I've been planning to get some more ventilation in the chicken house.

 

[Sophia5]

I've got a wooden floor?

 

[LoneOak]

Were the wood shavings dry or were they fresh cut wood. They must be dry to start with. I'm not good with metric measurements, maybe someone can tell us how many inches is 20cm. It sure sounds like you just need to keep adding a little more and a little more, maybe weekly for a few weeks until you get a thick bed built up. The ventilation is very important!