There are different ways to do the DLM. The best way is on a dirt floor. That way, the microbes and a little of the moisture can come up from the soil and actually start composting the litter. It will generate heat, just like a hot compost pile in the garden. The composted litter can go directly into the garden.
Depending on how they are managed, compost piles can be hot or cold. I would imagine there may be some variable in DLM coops on dirt, as well. A cooler pile/litter could very well be home to worms or other good bugs that chickens could eat.
If you use the DLM in a coop with a floor, the litter will not break down the same way. It will break down some, but will need to spend some time in a compost pile, to finish composting, before being spread in the garden.
I think I started using the DLM about 20 years ago, after reading about it in a book. I did the stirring or tossed scratch on top of the litter. What I really prefer to do, is start with only as much litter as necessary, to start with. As needed, I sprinkle clean litter over the top. The deep litter is made in layers. It is so much easier and so much cleaner this way.
I would say that the main differences in how I do it are two things. First, I start with a minimal amount of litter in the beginning, not a deep layer. Second, I add litter on top more often, but much more lightly.
I hope that made sense. The litter turns out the same, but there is less work and it's a cleaner environment.
Depending on how they are managed, compost piles can be hot or cold. I would imagine there may be some variable in DLM coops on dirt, as well. A cooler pile/litter could very well be home to worms or other good bugs that chickens could eat.
If you use the DLM in a coop with a floor, the litter will not break down the same way. It will break down some, but will need to spend some time in a compost pile, to finish composting, before being spread in the garden.
I think I started using the DLM about 20 years ago, after reading about it in a book. I did the stirring or tossed scratch on top of the litter. What I really prefer to do, is start with only as much litter as necessary, to start with. As needed, I sprinkle clean litter over the top. The deep litter is made in layers. It is so much easier and so much cleaner this way.
I would say that the main differences in how I do it are two things. First, I start with a minimal amount of litter in the beginning, not a deep layer. Second, I add litter on top more often, but much more lightly.
I hope that made sense. The litter turns out the same, but there is less work and it's a cleaner environment.
