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Anyone doing deep-litter method?

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2016 3:08 pm
by Chicken Ninja
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.
Alright Robbie, we'll check.

Anyone doing deep-litter method?

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2016 3:14 pm
by Chicken Ninja
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.
I guess I can only try for drier bedding...
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.

Anyone doing deep-litter method?

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2016 9:32 pm
by Cuttlefish
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. : )

Anyone doing deep-litter method?

Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 4:54 pm
by Chicken Ninja
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.
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. : )
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!
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?

Anyone doing deep-litter method?

Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 5:29 pm
by ross
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

Anyone doing deep-litter method?

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 12:40 am
by windwalkingwolf
I gave up on deep litter with ducks. Their poop 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.

Anyone doing deep-litter method?

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 3:39 pm
by Chicken Ninja
Hmmm... Very interesting www! Are there any specific instructions for making the spray?

Anyone doing deep-litter method?

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 8:32 am
by baronrenfrew
Wood pellets? Aren't you talking about the same pellets used in a pellet stove? Every hardware store around here has it.

Anyone doing deep-litter method?

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 8:49 am
by Robbie
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.
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.

Anyone doing deep-litter method?

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 11:38 am
by Jaye