Questions about the Deep Litter Method

[TheGoldenGirlz]

I have a sand coop right now and it has been raining for about two weeks. Obviously, this is causing issues. I want to switch to the deep litter method. To start this can I use pine shavings and city supplied wood chips? How do I keep this system working well? What sort of things should I add in? When I clean the coop out can I put the bedding on my garden? Thanks in advance!

 

[Kiki]

I'd like to share this post with you:
#8

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I have heard bad things about putting sand in a chicken coop. I do the deep litter method during the winter. I use pine shavings not cedar. When the coop starts getting dirty I add more shavings. If it is hot out it might not be a good idea for it can really heat up a coop. Wood chips could cut up your hens feet then put them up for risk of Bumblefoot. Shavings are soft so it should be easier on your hens feet.

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

I'd like to share this post with you:
#8

Thank you! I have a pretty good idea of what I’m going to do

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

I have heard bad things about putting sand in a chicken coop. I do the deep litter method during the winter. I use pine shavings not cedar. When the coop starts getting dirty I add more shavings. If it is hot out it might not be a good idea for it can really heat up a coop. Wood chips could cut up your hens feet then put them up for risk of Bumblefoot. Shavings are soft so it should be easier on your hens feet.

Okay! I’ll probably do wood chips as a bottom layer and put pine straw mixed in with pine shavings on top

 

[blackdog043]

I do the deep litter method during the winter. I use pine shavings not cedar. When the coop starts getting dirty I add more shavings. If it is hot out it might not be a good idea for it can really heat up a coop.

It sounds like your doing deep bedding or is it a moist compost inside your coop(deep litter)

Wood chips could cut up your hens feet then put them up for risk of Bumblefoot.

Where have your heard/read this? A lot of us use wood chips mixed in our deep litter in the run. Here's my newest chicks enjoying a dust bath in the run.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Where have your heard/read this? A lot of us use wood chips mixed in our deep litter in the run.

x2. Wood chips are a good thing to have in deep litter, as the chunkiness of it allows for good drainage and aeration of all the stuff in the litter. I have a small bit of wood shavings mixed in as well, but that's just whatever gets dumped or kicked from the nest box.

Ideally you want to use aged chips, as there has been a case of fresh chips harboring some sort of mold that is toxic to chickens.