My old coop cleaning routine was a total mess

For the first year, I'd just shovel everything out every Sunday, hose it down, and call it good. It took like 3 hours and the whole yard smelled like wet chicken poop for a day. Then I saw a post about deep litter method and decided to try it in my 8x10 coop here in Portland. Now, I just add a fresh layer of pine shavings over the old stuff every week. I only do a full cleanout twice a year, in spring and fall. It's way faster, the coop stays warmer in winter, and it's way less gross. The key was getting the carbon balance right, so it composts instead of just getting soggy. Anyone else made this switch and have tips for keeping the smell down in the rainy season?

2 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In

2 Comments

riley_ramirez815mo ago

Honestly, that part about getting the carbon balance right is so key. I read a blog from a guy in Seattle who said he mixes in a few handfuls of dry leaves or straw with his weekly pine shavings during the wet months. It soaks up extra moisture and cuts the smell way down.

3

lindagreen5mo ago

Yeah, that tip from @riley_ramirez81 makes total sense... I saw something similar about using shredded paper when things get too wet in the bin.

2