Deep Litter vs. Regular Cleaning: Which Coop Method Is Right for You? 🧹🌿
Coop smell and ammonia burn come from wet, unbalanced bedding. Two popular strategies fix this: deep litter (compost-in-place) and regular clean-outs. Here’s how to choose, plus the exact steps to keep air sweet and eggs clean.
Deep litter: low effort, compost bonus
- Start with 4–6 in of carbon bedding (pine shavings, chopped straw).
- Add thin layers weekly; stir/fluff when it looks matted.
- Keep it dry (add carbon) and aerated (turn with a fork).
- Remove fully 1–2× per year. Great in cold climates for warmth.
Watch-outs: not for damp sites; fix leaks first.
Regular cleaning: ultra-tidy routine
- Spot-scoop droppings trays 2–3×/week.
- Full refresh every 2–4 weeks.
- Best for small coops or humid regions.
Bedding & carbon ratio quick guide
- Aim for a brown-heavy mix; if you smell ammonia, add more carbon.
- Good options: pine shavings, hemp, chopped straw; avoid dusty sawdust.
Decision table
- Cold/dry climate & larger coop → Deep litter
- Humid/small coop or sensitive neighbors → Regular cleaning
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