New Mexico

[Peep_Show]

I'm planning on putting sand in my run when I build the new coop. Whoops, what kind did you use and where did you get it?

 

[Whoops]

I used "play sand" from Lowes. But, you can get construction sand, which I have heard is cheaper and better, or garden sand from a nursery supply, maybe. There is no "wet bedding" smell. Spills dry quickly in our climate. I feed pellets and fodder, and they can easily pick out what they spill. Plus, their feet stay cleaner, which means the eggs stay clean.

 

[CibolaChooks]

Hey All,

I am new to the BYC and I am looking forward to getting my first chicks this spring! I live in southeast Albuquerque and I was hoping I could get some insight into raising chickens in New Mexico.  Specifically, does anyone know if the deep litter method will work in our dry climate?  I'm guessing it won't actually do any composting until I get it into my compost bin, but can I use the method anyway or is it best to clean the coop out more regularly?  The coop is pretty close to our neighbors yard so I need to keep smells to a minimum. 

Also, does anybody have any recommendations on where to get chicks?

TIA! 

Tia i use deep litter and i love it. it works really well especially during the summer.you need a roof for the random rain. If it gets wet from rain it's no good. Mines coming up to the point where I need to change it and I still have no smell. It doesn't really compost but it does break down. Pretty much all deep litter needs 3 to 6 months of composting after you take it out. I started with pine shavings that works great. I've read a little bit about natural farming techniques so I started to use Green hay hoping it might contain more natural enzymes or at least allow for better natural enzyme growth.

Ive heard allot of good things about the sand also but I imagine if you don't clean it daily or 3 to 4 times a week small pieces can probably get broken up into the sand and eventually build up. The wet poops have to eventually dirty your sand also. chicken poop is amazing for compost so I'm sticking to deep litter. I like to have they useful product once I change the bedding. since you need to clean poop boards and keeps nest clean I enjoy not having to change the litter but once a year.

 

[bumpercarr]

Tia i use deep litter and i love it. it works really well especially during the summer.you need a roof for the random rain. If it gets wet from rain it's no good. Mines coming up to the point where I need to change it and I still have no smell. It doesn't really compost but it does break down. Pretty much all deep litter needs 3 to 6 months of composting after you take it out. I started with pine shavings that works great. I've read a little bit about natural farming techniques so I started to use Green hay hoping it might contain more natural enzymes or at least allow for better natural enzyme growth.

Ive heard allot of good things about the sand also but I imagine if you don't clean it daily or 3 to 4 times a week small pieces can probably get broken up into the sand and eventually build up. The wet poops have to eventually dirty your sand also. chicken poop is amazing for compost so I'm sticking to deep litter. I like to have they useful product once I change the bedding. since you need to clean poop boards and keeps nest clean I enjoy not having to change the litter but once a year.

I also use deep litter, but I use straw as my bedding. I don't use shavings because sometimes chickens will eat it and then get an impaction, which they won't get with straw. That said, lots of folks use shavings. I clean the coop about once every two months, what comes out goes into the compost bin to finish composting. Sand is great for the feathers, I buy a bag every now and then and then just dump it into a pile in their run. They will spread it out for me and make themselves a new dusting bowl where they want it. In our weather, we don't really have to worry too much about the smell or moisture accumulating. Usually new droppings dry within a day. Sometimes in August it can become a problem, but just plan a cleanout about the middle of August and you won't have any issues.

 

[CibolaChooks]

I also use deep litter, but I use straw as my bedding.  I don't use shavings because sometimes chickens will eat it and then get an impaction, which they won't get with straw.  That said, lots of folks use shavings.  I clean the coop about once every two months, what comes out goes into the compost bin to finish composting.  Sand is great for the feathers, I buy a bag every now and then and then just dump it into a pile in their run.  They will spread it out for me and make themselves a new dusting bowl where they want it.  In our weather, we don't really have to worry too much about the smell or moisture accumulating.  Usually new droppings dry within a day.  Sometimes in August it can become a problem, but just plan a cleanout about the middle of August and you won't have any issues.

Yeah i see them eat the pine bedding also. Mostly new chicks and lucky i havent lost any. I was going to use straw but decided to try the green grass. Ive heard of them getting impaction with straw and grass but i havent had any yet. Its goos to hear you havent either. Deep litter is amazing. Ive had a lil bit of issues with rain but like you said in nm its no real concern.

 

[DaveMarner]

Is there anywhere near Albuquerque that sells bulk feed other than just 50 lbs sacks? Or will any feed stores give a multiple bag discount?

 

[bumpercarr]

Is there anywhere near Albuquerque that sells bulk feed other than just 50 lbs sacks? Or will any feed stores give a multiple bag discount?

I don't know specifically about Albuquerque, but TSC will discount 20+ bags.

 

[CibolaChooks]

Is there anywhere near Albuquerque that sells bulk feed other than just 50 lbs sacks? Or will any feed stores give a multiple bag discount?

the feed stores that carry RanchWay feed could probably order 1 ton totes. I think ranchway is the best feed. I personally won't use their feed but I'm sure Onate will do a discount for large amounts if you drive there

 

[DanaeRose]

Yay... After losing 10 chickens to my houdini dog and having to turn my chicken pen into fort Knox, I now have 4 wyandottes (2 silver laced and 2 golden laced), 1 Rhode island white (due to my 4 yr old begging for a white one...lol) and a huge americana rooster named big Ben.

 

[CibolaChooks]

Yay... After losing 10 chickens to my houdini dog and having to turn my chicken pen into fort Knox, I now have 4 wyandottes (2 silver laced and 2 golden laced), 1 Rhode island white (due to my 4 yr old begging for a white one...lol) and a huge americana rooster named big Ben.

Sry to hear about your losses . I'm glad you have the ones you have. Sounds like a nice looking flock.