I have a chemistry/biology question for you amateur (or real) scientists. I am building yet another coop. I use the deep litter method in some of my coops. I like the low maintenance and the results I get.
As I understand it, by putting some organic material such as straw, hay, or shavings directly on a dirt floor the bacteria in the soil breaks down the litter and droppings turning it into an odorless and self-sustaining micro environment.
Since I have this mountain of sand:
I wanted to use it in the run of the new coop and also in the coop. I plan to use pine shavings on top of the sand.
Here is a pic of the coop and run foundation filled to a depth of 6 inches in the front and 24 inches in the back:
My question is will the deep litter method work with shavings on top of sand, or do I need to add good old fashioned dirt?
As I understand it, by putting some organic material such as straw, hay, or shavings directly on a dirt floor the bacteria in the soil breaks down the litter and droppings turning it into an odorless and self-sustaining micro environment.
Since I have this mountain of sand:

I wanted to use it in the run of the new coop and also in the coop. I plan to use pine shavings on top of the sand.
Here is a pic of the coop and run foundation filled to a depth of 6 inches in the front and 24 inches in the back:

My question is will the deep litter method work with shavings on top of sand, or do I need to add good old fashioned dirt?