Alright Robbie, we'll check.Robbie wrote:QR_BBPOST We checked our local feed store, and they didn't carry the wood pellets, so we went with shavings...
See if your feed store carries the McFeeter's quick pick ultrafine shavings. They are more absorbent than the regular wood shavings. They cost more but IMO it was worth the money.
Anyone doing deep-litter method?
- Chicken Ninja
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Anyone doing deep-litter method?
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"So please ask yourself: What I would do if I weren't afraid? And then go do it." Sheryl Sandberg
Co-President of U of Guelph's Poultry Club
Proud to be called a chicken
Co-President of U of Guelph's Poultry Club
Proud to be called a chicken
- Chicken Ninja
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Anyone doing deep-litter method?
I guess I can only try for drier bedding...Ontario Chick wrote:QR_BBPOST I use deep litter and love it, BUT for chickens only.
I wouldn't keep ducks over winter for that one reason, the bedding can't be kept dry and it will be better or worse with different types of bedding, but it will not be dry with ducks.
The main problem, that kind of environment is too hard on the chickens respiratory system.
We didn't really have a choice with these ducks - they're our breeding group of muscovies, so we don't get ducklings if we don't overwinter... Definitely see where you're coming from though.
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"So please ask yourself: What I would do if I weren't afraid? And then go do it." Sheryl Sandberg
Co-President of U of Guelph's Poultry Club
Proud to be called a chicken
Co-President of U of Guelph's Poultry Club
Proud to be called a chicken
- Cuttlefish
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Anyone doing deep-litter method?
Ninja,
I found it took a while for the system to start to "do" anything. For the longest while it was just dirty shavings... at this time of year, I imagine that it might take a while for the right (healthy) bacteria to move into your coop. IF your ventilation is good, just give it some time. : )
I found it took a while for the system to start to "do" anything. For the longest while it was just dirty shavings... at this time of year, I imagine that it might take a while for the right (healthy) bacteria to move into your coop. IF your ventilation is good, just give it some time. : )
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- Chicken Ninja
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Anyone doing deep-litter method?
So, (I'm estimating here...) cut about 225" squared out of the east wall, and 148" squared out of the south wall. Hopefully that will be enough to help counter the wetness of the ducks, and poultry in general. There is also what I consider a "fresh air intake" near the bottom of the east wall... When I had finished cutting, I could see dust motes gently exiting through the new holes in the walls :) Makes me feel much better - have been meaning to increase places for ventilation for a long while.
Would oxygenation and turning of the shavings help these good bacteria grow?
ross, do you turn yours? And when do you add new bedding to the old?
That is a very good point! I hadn't quite thought of it like that befor... Hopefully the new ventilation will help create a good environment for this beneficial bacteria!Cuttlefish wrote:QR_BBPOST Ninja,
I found it took a while for the system to start to "do" anything. For the longest while it was just dirty shavings... at this time of year, I imagine that it might take a while for the right (healthy) bacteria to move into your coop. IF your ventilation is good, just give it some time. : )
Would oxygenation and turning of the shavings help these good bacteria grow?
ross, do you turn yours? And when do you add new bedding to the old?
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"So please ask yourself: What I would do if I weren't afraid? And then go do it." Sheryl Sandberg
Co-President of U of Guelph's Poultry Club
Proud to be called a chicken
Co-President of U of Guelph's Poultry Club
Proud to be called a chicken
- ross
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Anyone doing deep-litter method?
Chickens turn it , I never remove all only when getting to deep for door bottoms then top up with fresh . With this method I find you have to keep feed & water containers well off floors so no bedding gets kicked into . Luck
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- windwalkingwolf
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Anyone doing deep-litter method?
I gave up on deep litter with ducks. Their is just so watery and there's so much of it, that in the limited space I have/had, it wouldn't work. Love it with the chickens though. If you want a head-start on getting the good bacteria going, make up a lactic acid bacteria spray. It's easy, uses milk and rice water. It will kill odour almost right away, and really helps the composting process.
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- Chicken Ninja
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Anyone doing deep-litter method?
Hmmm... Very interesting www! Are there any specific instructions for making the spray?
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"So please ask yourself: What I would do if I weren't afraid? And then go do it." Sheryl Sandberg
Co-President of U of Guelph's Poultry Club
Proud to be called a chicken
Co-President of U of Guelph's Poultry Club
Proud to be called a chicken
- baronrenfrew
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Anyone doing deep-litter method?
Wood pellets? Aren't you talking about the same pellets used in a pellet stove? Every hardware store around here has it.
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Anyone doing deep-litter method?
No, the pellets to use are the ones specifically made for bedding. The bedding ones are made from softwood and I think they aren't as dense, so they soak up moisture more effectively.baronrenfrew wrote:QR_BBPOST Wood pellets? Aren't you talking about the same pellets used in a pellet stove? Every hardware store around here has it.
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- Jaye
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Anyone doing deep-litter method?
like this, baronrenfrew:
http://www.tscstores.com/35LB-CONDENSED ... tcW730rJhE
http://www.tscstores.com/35LB-CONDENSED ... tcW730rJhE
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