New Member Building a Coop

[tralfaz]

Doing a true (or even semi) deep litter inside most coops is pretty difficult due to the fact that it does best with a dirt floor and moisture. Coops do better with deep bedding, which stays dry. Deep litter type systems are better in a run.

can you explain the concept of deep litter vs deep bedding setup? newbie question#99

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thank you! I will have a dirt floor.

Might try the leaves then - if it doesn't work out, just remove them or augment with different materials.

can you explain the concept of deep litter vs deep bedding setup? newbie question#99

Hope I explain this adequately... other people probably can explain it better.

True deep litter (which many deep litter folks don't actually use) is a composting system - the poop composts in place along with whatever else you have in the run and then you harvest the resulting compost for use in your garden.

The form of deep litter I use still breaks down the poop, but because I favor drainage over collecting usable compost I have a lot of wood chips in the mix (which don't break down very quickly) , so it does not make for ideal compost and I don't attempt to use it as such.

Deep bedding is just using a thick layer of bedding of your choice, ideally kept dry as it will not break down with the poop and because of that may need to be cleaned out from time to time.

I use deep bedding inside the coop and deep litter (not for compost) in the run.

 

[tralfaz]

Might try the leaves then - if it doesn't work out, just remove them or augment with different materials.



Hope I explain this adequately... other people probably can explain it better.

True deep litter (which many deep litter folks don't actually use) is a composting system - the poop composts in place along with whatever else you have in the run and then you harvest the resulting compost for use in your garden.

The form of deep litter I use still breaks down the poop, but because I favor drainage over collecting usable compost I have a lot of wood chips in the mix (which don't break down very quickly) , so it does not make for ideal compost and I don't attempt to use it as such.

Deep bedding is just using a thick layer of bedding of your choice, ideally kept dry as it will not break down with the poop and because of that may need to be cleaned out from time to time.

I use deep bedding inside the coop and deep litter (not for compost) in the run.

Thanks, is the deep litter method good for any use afterwards?

 

[aart]

My brothers will be building my coop for me in my backyard tomorrow morning.

Kinda late notice to be planning.. ..so how's it going?

can you explain the concept of deep litter vs deep bedding setup? newbie question#99

@rosemarythyme gave a good explanation.
Here's a good discussion.

The terms 'deep litter' and 'deep bedding' are often misunderstood and misapplied.
I've always liked this explanation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-method-with-this-coop.1075545/#post-16440037

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thanks, is the deep litter method good for any use afterwards?

You can still occasionally get some compost out of doing it my way but the main appeal is it provides drainage, is low maintenance (you don't really ever have to clear it out), and it eats up mud and poop and smells. I used to have massive mud problems and now the ground is completely stabilized in there.

 

[AllenK RGV]

Hi from near the most southern point in Texas. Yep its all about open air designs and reinforcing with hurricane straps. My builds have all been 4x4s for the outer frame as a minimum. My adapted old dog hut is on 2x4's for our location I try for north and south facing solid walls with as much ventable space on the east west sides. Sloped roofing as well for the heat to escape. Good luck with your planning. I've been too lazy to open those 2x1 gallon paint cans to paint em up for proper protection because we have been in a drought since mid 2018 most times with just one torrential downpoor in June 2019.

 

[Zbee167]

Might try the leaves then - if it doesn't work out, just remove them or augment with different materials.



Hope I explain this adequately... other people probably can explain it better.

True deep litter (which many deep litter folks don't actually use) is a composting system - the poop composts in place along with whatever else you have in the run and then you harvest the resulting compost for use in your garden.

The form of deep litter I use still breaks down the poop, but because I favor drainage over collecting usable compost I have a lot of wood chips in the mix (which don't break down very quickly) , so it does not make for ideal compost and I don't attempt to use it as such.

Deep bedding is just using a thick layer of bedding of your choice, ideally kept dry as it will not break down with the poop and because of that may need to be cleaned out from time to time.

I use deep bedding inside the coop and deep litter (not for compost) in the run.

Thank you.

 

[Zbee167]

Hi from near the most southern point in Texas. Yep its all about open air designs and reinforcing with hurricane straps. My builds have all been 4x4s for the outer frame as a minimum. My adapted old dog hut is on 2x4's for our location I try for north and south facing solid walls with as much ventable space on the east west sides. Sloped roofing as well for the heat to escape. Good luck with your planning. I've been too lazy to open those 2x1 gallon paint cans to paint em up for proper protection because we have been in a drought since mid 2018 most times with just one torrential downpoor in June 2019.

Thanks for your input!

 

[HogWildAboutChix]

Hey there! Im new to BYC but have had chickens for years. Sounds like you have decided on a stationary coop&run, rather than a mobile tractor? There are benefits to each!
One design element to perfect in any design is predator proofing! We attach our wire from the outside so that it cannot be pushed in. Be sure there are no large gaps, and that there is over-head protection. My sister had a large owl carrying full grown birds away at night!
I like nesting boxes that can be pulled out to clean.
We do a deep litter system. Using hay or shavings depending on what is available.