Sand or the deep litter method? Which is better?

[MamaB]

I currently have 12 chicks (5 weeks old) and 2 duckling (3 weeks old), they have made the big move out of the brooder and into the coop. The ducklings were making such a mess and stinking up the brooder, but they wouldn't move without their 'sisters'! Now that everyone is enjoying their new space, I need to know what type of covering to use on the floor. Currently, I have wood shavings on the floor which seemed fine for almost a week, but it is starting to stink.....mostly from the ducklings, I'm sure! Sand or DLM, any input would be great!

 

[Nickichicki]

Sand is easy to sift the poops out of if you are dedicated to doing it every couple days to keep it manageable but the DL method is a easy way to only have to clean a few times a year depending on the size of your coop. Good luck, let us know what you decide to do!

 

[MamaB]

I feel like I am leaning towards sand. Do you mind if I ask what you use?

 

[ZaksGarden]

I use river sand, I can fill up the bed of my truck for $15 and that gives me enough for 4 inches of sand in a 5 x 10 ft run. A minimum of once a week I sift the sand and take a bucket of "treasure"

down to the compost pile. (occasionally) on days when I have an extra 10-15 minutes and a burst of energy I sift it more often. It does make it easier to keep it clean. Once a year I dig out all the sand and replace it, I am not sure if that is necessary but for $15 I feel it is more sanitary. The hens love bathing in it, it always stays dry, and they can peck their own grit from the tiny rocks seeing as it is river sand. Once a month I also sprinkle DE all throughout the run and coop..I never see any insects.

I am sold on Sand!