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

CTA:
👉 Prefer low-odor, easy-clean designs? See our coops with slide-out trays and vented roofs: Chicken Coop Shop.