Newbie struggling with deep litter in run

[townchicks]

I think your run looks great. I would definitely add some wood chips though, but no rush. With all the plastic around it, the pine will stay dry enough that it won't mat down too badly. It won't truly compost either, it needs moisture for that. You say it doesn't smell though, and that is really the whole point, so, I'd say you're doing great! Happy Thanksgiving! Isn't this rain a blessing? I'm so thankful for that today.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I can only suggest you have unrealistic expectations from deep litter than. Like you not suppose to see any poop or it is not suppose to attract any flies in the summer. DL/DB does not need cleaning (just adding more from time to time), does not smell much, and more beneficent for chickens than their poop over fresh sand - that is good enough for me. I also found that depending on the season and amount of rain it either not decomposing at all (dry summer) or shrinks into couple of inches within a week (rainy fall).

Could be. Wouldn't be the first time I had started expectations. I guess we'll see. As long as things continue to be stink-free...

Thank you for the input!