What Type of Litter to Use?

[jkunkel73]

Hi BYC Friends! I am in the process of converting a barn into a covered pens with runs. The barn is about 50' x 75' and will consists of runs that will be 32' x 8' wide. Within the barn I will do the deep litter method. Growing up I always used sawdust as litter, however I have seen several negative posts. Since this is such a large area and I want it to be economical I am looking for recommendations. I will have chickens, pheasants, turkeys, peacocks, and quail.

Thanks,
John

 

[Folly's place]

Wow! Lots of critters! I use baled shavings and like it very much. Straw is not as user friendly, IMO. Some people like peat, but I can't cope with the dust at all. Mary

 

[RonP]

What do you have economically available to choose from?

 

[Irishhenman]

I find wood shavings very good. Chopped straw is brilliant if it is available locally. Sand is supposed to be good but I have never tried it. Straw is another option. Shredded paper is good in nest boxes but I find it gets too soggy in the mane coop.

Hay is not good for many reasons, it carries spores, it is too dusty for chickens sensitive respiratory systems and it goes mouldy very quickly.

 

[jkunkel73]

I'm thinking rice hulls would be good.