My set up and a few questions about litter ....

[JustmefromBC]

Warmer weather is predicted here this weekend and I'm looking forward to putting my little 4 weekers out in the run on the warmer days. The coop isn't quite finished so they will be brought inside to sleep for a while yet and until it warms up at night.

So this requires me to make a decision about what to use for litter once they are out there full time. I spent hours yesterday reading posts and articles about it online and I think I have come to a decision but i have a couple questions yet.

The set up:
The Run is 5X12 covered with a metal roof and has a plywood floor covered with vinyl flooring. There is a 6 inch board around the bottom to keep the litter in.

The coop is 6X4, Raised off the ground about 3 feet and also under the metal roof with vinyl flooring.
All located in my back yard and somewhat sheltered under some large evergreen trees.
It rains here quite a lot but we have had some very dry summers the last few years.

I have 1/3 of an acre, the back corner where the chickens will live has vacant land in the back and a neighbour to the side.. with their house quite a distance away as they have several acres. So I'm the only one who will probably have to smell them should they get stinky but I would rather not...lol We have a fully fenced yard but as the property has some sloping to it the fence heights vary from 4 feet to 7 feet. I plan to use some temporary fencing to allow them to free range when I'm home and can keep an eye on them.

I don't have a very big composter and it is located on the other side of the property with the neighbours house very close so I may have to dispose of litter via the green waste program we have in the city... which allows for the disposal of backyard chicken litter thankfully.

I currently have 7 chicks. I didn't plan having more than 4-6. I am prepared to give some to my brother should the space become too crowded for them.

My Current plan:
Pine shavings in the run until the Chicks are out there full time after which i will switch to...

Sand in the run for the summer with Stall dry for good measure
Pine shavings in the coop with DE and I will try the DLM in there
I plan to see how we do with the sand and may decide to keep it up or switch to shavings in the winter to keep everyone warmer.

Questions:

How deep should I plan for the litter to get in the coop? My husband didn't allow for anything to keep the litter in when he made the door for the chickens but I think we can still make a change there.

If I decide to switch to shavings in the run will the DLM work with the vinyl flooring we have in there?

When it comes time to switch out the sand has anyone ever used it to top dress a lawn? I'm thinking mixed in with some topsoil.. or would this be a bad idea?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would just leave shavings in the run and go deep litter. Sand can work but many find it too much work to keep clean. With deep litter you just add more stuff, leaves, grass clippings, pulled weeds, hay, straw, all things that will slowly break down and keep the soil soft and sweet, and give your birds stuff to do.

 

[JustmefromBC]

I would just leave shavings in the run and go deep litter. Sand can work but many find it too much work to keep clean. With deep litter you just add more stuff, leaves, grass clippings, pulled weeds, hay, straw, all things that will slowly break down and keep the soil soft and sweet, and give your birds stuff to do.

So if the bottom of my run is vinyl flooring instead of the litter directly on dirt/the ground .. will it matter?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So if the bottom of my run is vinyl flooring instead of the litter directly on dirt/the ground .. will it matter?

I guess I missed the vinyl floor in the run. What's the purpose of that?

 

[JustmefromBC]

A boulder and very uneven hard ground in that spot ( the only spot we can legally keep chickens) so my husband built a platform over it. I realize now we probably could have just let the chickens have a rock in the middle of thier run after learning about DLM but this is what we have to work with for now. I don't think suggesting he take it out will go over too well at this point... LOL

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

A boulder and very uneven hard ground in that spot ( the only spot we can legally keep chickens) so my husband built a platform over it. I realize now we probably could have just let the chickens have a rock in the middle of thier run after learning about DLM but this is what we have to work with for now. I don't think suggesting he take it out will go over too well at this point... LOL

So it's not actually a run, but a sort of deck? I'm afraid I haven't a clue as to the best bedding for that situation is. Deep litter will make hard ground soft and chickens will happily sit on a rock.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Maybe a picture of the layout/set up will help us understand?
Where is the "vinyl" flooring?

I agree with oldhenlikesdogs, sand can be harder to clean and when wet gets heavy. I thought of sand for my Chicken House but so glad I went wit DLM. I just keep adding shavings/dry stuff as needed. The ground is HARD CLAY, the girls have loosened it up quite a bit.

 

[JustmefromBC]

Maybe a picture of the layout/set up will help us understand?
Where is the "vinyl" flooring?

I agree with oldhenlikesdogs, sand can be harder to clean and when wet gets heavy. I thought of sand for my Chicken House but so glad I went wit DLM. I just keep adding shavings/dry stuff as needed. The ground is HARD CLAY, the girls have loosened it up quite a bit.

)

 

[JustmefromBC]

Oops i think i messed up trying to add picture .. trying again

 

[ChickNanny13]

Where is the vinyl flooring, under the sand in the Run?