Why do we need bedding underneath perches?

[PirateGirl]

Also the number of birds you have will impact what methods of waste management are appropriate for you.

 

[CannedMonster]

I have a prefab coop and a 10’ x 6’ walk-in.
I like to use fine pine shavings and Sweet PDZ.
I use a kitty litter scoop to dispose of the waste in the prefab coop.
Most of the fine shavings and PDZ fall through the holes in the scoop and I toss the dirty shavings with poop in them in a bin which then gets dumped in the rose beds, etc.
Since the walk-in is much bigger I use a small rake to gather the poops and a dust pan to put them in the bin.
I add more shavings and PDZ to either coop as needed.
I also sprinkle PDZ on the ramp and other spots in the coop that get pooped on so it helps absorb smell and liquid.

 

[aart]

To save cleaning tasks yet keep it clean, could I not put newspaper underneath the perches and take a sheet off the top each morning to dispose of the night’s poo?

That might work for small caged birds like parakeets, cockatiels and parrots....
...but full grown chicken poop is another matter.
But give it a try and let us know how it works out.

 

[Tortoise]

I have a prefab coop and a 10’ x 6’ walk-in.
I like to use fine pine shavings and Sweet PDZ.
I use a kitty litter scoop to dispose of the waste in the prefab coop.
Most of the fine shavings and PDZ fall through the holes in the scoop and I toss the dirty shavings with poop in them in a bin which then gets dumped in the rose beds, etc.
Since the walk-in is much bigger I use a small rake to gather the poops and a dust pan to put them in the bin.
I add more shavings and PDZ to either coop as needed.
I also sprinkle PDZ on the ramp and other spots in the coop that get pooped on so it helps absorb smell and liquid.

What is PDZ please? I'm new and don't know what the abbreviations stand for yet, sorry.

 

[Wil781]

My new Arkus plastic coop arrives tomorrow, and unlike in my current wooden coop my hens will have to perch. Right now they can either perch or sit on the floor in the bedding just underneath.

So I am thinking, why bother with bedding material? To save cleaning tasks yet keep it clean, could I not put newspaper underneath the perches and take a sheet off the top each morning to dispose of the night’s poo?

I read a lot about bedding material under the perches but I can’t understand what it is actually for. Nest boxes need to be cosy, and mine will be but just thinking of under the perches.

Please advise

The chickens will shred the paper, I use Sweet PDZ under my roosts, PDZ is like cat litter just finer and absorbs moisture and cuts down on the amonia, I just scoop every morning and we are good to go. I live in Alabama so we don't have frigid temps here, the only place I use bedding is in their nesting box to give those beautiful eggs a soft landing.

 

[Wil781]

What is PDZ please? I'm new and don't know what the abbreviations stand for yet, sorry.

PDZ is used in horse stalls to soak up urine, it's safe for chickens and even in 95 degree heat no smell in the coop.

 

[aart]

What is PDZ please?

Sweet PDZ is granulated zeolite(a mineral that absorbs ammonia).

 

[True Patriot]

I have a raised coop, in the bottom I filled with sand. My choice was based on availability and weight. In southern Georgia we have no shortage of cheap sand. And I wanted a heavy material, I live in a hurricane area. The 500 pounds of sand in the coop helps keep it still in high winds. The sand clumps the waste and makes it easy to clean up with a litter box scoop. PDZ is added as needed to control odors. About once a month I screen the entire amount to remove anything the litter scoop missed and catch the inevitable feathers. There may be better ways but this seems to be working well.

 

[newchick64]

I have a prefab coop and a 10’ x 6’ walk-in.
I like to use fine pine shavings and Sweet PDZ.
I use a kitty litter scoop to dispose of the waste in the prefab coop.
Most of the fine shavings and PDZ fall through the holes in the scoop and I toss the dirty shavings with poop in them in a bin which then gets dumped in the rose beds, etc.
Since the walk-in is much bigger I use a small rake to gather the poops and a dust pan to put them in the bin.
I add more shavings and PDZ to either coop as needed.
I also sprinkle PDZ on the ramp and other spots in the coop that get pooped on so it helps absorb smell and liquid.

How much PDZ do you use?