shavings question

[PlentifulPrairie]

It sounds like you are running a similar setup to what I do. I clean the coop out once a year and scoop the boards daily.
For a coop your size I'd dump 2 bags in now, add another just before winter and do a full clean out in spring.
That works well for me but I do have an attached run that is predator proof so I never close the pop door and the birds are out in the run as soon as they come off the roost. That minimizes poop in the coop bedding.
View attachment 2668792

You have a camera setup in your coop . I've been wanting to do that!

 

[junior67]

You may want to put in a thermometer that has a humidity gauge and keep one outside near the coop too.

In winter especially, dry is important. I shoot for being within 5% of what it is outside. More than that and I do a full clean. I feel like it helps in preventing frostbite.

Be aware that frozen poo keeps its moisture trapped and as soon as it starts to thaw that is released causing a huge spike.

there is lots of ventilation in the coop, both gable ends cut out, all rafters, 4 windows 2 that can be left open year round and 2 that can open if it is nice out.

 

[junior67]

It sounds like you are running a similar setup to what I do. I clean the coop out once a year and scoop the boards daily.
For a coop your size I'd dump 2 bags in now, add another just before winter and do a full clean out in spring.
That works well for me but I do have an attached run that is predator proof so I never close the pop door and the birds are out in the run as soon as they come off the roost. That minimizes poop in the coop bedding.
View attachment 2668792

yes it is similar. My run is also predator proof. I have an 8x8 roof covered run, my coop is raised so they have 8x8 under the coop, then there is a 10x8 HWC covered part of the run. I am doing an auto door to open at sunrise and close around sunset so they will have access to the run during daylight hours all the time. Even in the winter since they have the roof covered part and under the coop they can use if they don't want to deal with snow.

 

[DobieLover]

yes it is similar. My run is also predator proof. I have an 8x8 roof covered run, my coop is raised so they have 8x8 under the coop, then there is a 10x8 HWC covered part of the run. I am doing an auto door to open at sunrise and close around sunset so they will have access to the run during daylight hours all the time. Even in the winter since they have the roof covered part and under the coop they can use if they don't want to deal with snow.

Can you post pictures of your setup?

 

[21hens-incharge]

there is lots of ventilation in the coop, both gable ends cut out, all rafters, 4 windows 2 that can be left open year round and 2 that can open if it is nice out.

That's good! Still keep an eye on it. I have seen spikes in my big coop that has 11 windows, 2x6 roof trusses and open soffits.

 

[junior67]

Can you post pictures of your setup?

we are still in the process of building but I will post some pictures. I still have to finish the HWC on the run, do the run roofs (both roofed part and HWC part) and framing and windows (they are cut out and have HW cloth but no plexiglass to cover them yet).

 

[junior67]

Can you post pictures of your setup?

 

[3KillerBs]

I use 1/3 to 1/2 a bag to completely change the bedding in my 4x4 coop and then add up to another half bag over time before cleaning again.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/using-deep-bedding-in-a-small-coop.76343/

 

[aart]

Bag and half (16cuft) will be about 3" deep in a 8x8' coop.