Dust-free substrate recommendations for indoor 'coop'?

[RojoMarz]

That sounds interesting. I have no experience with that. Is that something they can walk on the whole time or would they have to basically 'wade' through it (sinking into the pellets)?

I've not used them, so have no first hand knowledge. I did find this thread and perhaps it would be helpful.

 

[romea]

It definitely gets displaced, but the pieces are more solid and don’t break down the same way that shavings do

It definitely gets displaced, but the pieces are more solid and don’t break down the same way that shavings do

This sounds pretty much like what I am looking for... Would I be able to remove the poop with a cat litter scoop without scooping up a lot of clean hemp at the same time?

 

[romea]

I've not used them, so have no first hand knowledge. I did find this thread and perhaps it would be helpful.

I'm finally getting around to reading through the thread you provided.
Thank you for the link - much appreciated!

 

[hammyanne]

This sounds pretty much like what I am looking for... Would I be able to remove the poop with a cat litter scoop without scooping up a lot of clean hemp at the same time?

Now that’s a different beast! I have found that I remove quite a bit of the hemp along with the poop, but because hemp seems to have much better absorption/keeps the conditions in the coop drier, and I don’t need to scoop globs of moist poop as often. I also have a poop shelf in my coop which catches the majority of the waste.

Another caveat: I actually use the deep litter composting system in my run, so the hemp just gets scooped directly from the coop into the run when it’s spent.

Here’s a photo of my brooder at the moment! I plan to clean it today, but wanted to show you how the help gets kicked out. This is about 2 weeks with four chicks.

 

[hammyanne]

I use rent-a-coop brand, but I can imagine that getting expensive if you need to fill an entire run!

 

[romea]

Now that’s a different beast! I have found that I remove quite a bit of the hemp along with the poop, but because hemp seems to have much better absorption/keeps the conditions in the coop drier, and I don’t need to scoop globs of moist poop as often. I also have a poop shelf in my coop which catches the majority of the waste.

Another caveat: I actually use the deep litter composting system in my run, so the hemp just gets scooped directly from the coop into the run when it’s spent.

Here’s a photo of my brooder at the moment! I plan to clean it today, but wanted to show you how the help gets kicked out. This is about 2 weeks with four chicks.

Thank you for that info + the picture! I'm coming to the realization that I will have to experiment... probably ending up offering 2 sections - e.g. a kiddie pool with hemp - to check this out without making a commitment that involves the whole coop/aviary.

 

[hammyanne]

Thank you for that info + the picture! I'm coming to the realization that I will have to experiment... probably ending up offering 2 sections - e.g. a kiddie pool with hemp - to check this out without making a commitment that involves the whole coop/aviary.

That sounds like a good plan! Let us know how it goes, and if I can give you any more info ◡̈

 

[romea]

That sounds like a good plan! Let us know how it goes, and if I can give you any more info ◡̈

Oh, well, you know... at this point I am struggling to source hatching eggs from bantam Ameraucanas...
Translation: it might take me a while to be able to report back. *sigh*

 

[hammyanne]

Oh, well, you know... at this point I am struggling to source hatching eggs from bantam Ameraucanas...
Translation: it might take me a while to be able to report back. *sigh*

Oh lord! I keep hearing about how difficult it's been to source Ameraucanas in general this year! I'm grateful to have over-eagerly ordered my hatching eggs back in January (like a freak!)—I hope you're able to find some

I had a great experience with this breeder (https://www.muffsntufts.com/shop) but I'm not sure if she has any bantam Ameraucanas

 

[ChookaPete]

Is Zeolite (“Sweet PDZ”) low-dust?

I own a bag but I haven’t opened it yet.

It is very fine clay. When dry it would be very dusty.