My coop is in the former sun porch (3 5x5 foot windows). It has thick rubber roll roofing membrane over the floor. I cover that with an inch of sand then 4 to 6 inches of shavings. I clean out the used shavings about every week or two, depending on conditions (the nose knows!).
They can go out to the pen in the daylight, weather permitting. When it is wet or snowing, and they are in more, it needs to be cleared out more often. Perhaps because of all the window space, condensation builds up and it gets damp. It is hare to ventilate, esp when the pop door is closed. I can crack one of the 5' windows but worry about weasels forcing the crack wider and getting in to commit mass slaughter.
I actually shovel the shavings into one of the bags they come in and save them for the next now storm. After some shoveling of a circular path around the pen, we cover the path with the used shavings (the divas toes must NOT touch that nasty white stuff!) Since I use a deep litter method in the pen, the shavings incorporate into the bushels of leaves within the pen, and by Spring, the whole is well on its way to compost (or the best topdressing/mulch in the world). Anyway, given the cost of the shavings, I'm glad that they will have a new life as plant growth enhancers!
The new shavings smell so nice. The new pullets are laying every day and the EEs and Isbars are starting back in. The Hampbergs and bantams are still on strike. My splash roo is over the Moon since the two mean roos and guineas are gone. He is deeply infatuated with the new pullets. He gives them first place at the treat bowls (over the older hans, that's loyalty for you).
Christmas and general holiday greetings to all my fellow chicken fanatics.
They can go out to the pen in the daylight, weather permitting. When it is wet or snowing, and they are in more, it needs to be cleared out more often. Perhaps because of all the window space, condensation builds up and it gets damp. It is hare to ventilate, esp when the pop door is closed. I can crack one of the 5' windows but worry about weasels forcing the crack wider and getting in to commit mass slaughter.
I actually shovel the shavings into one of the bags they come in and save them for the next now storm. After some shoveling of a circular path around the pen, we cover the path with the used shavings (the divas toes must NOT touch that nasty white stuff!) Since I use a deep litter method in the pen, the shavings incorporate into the bushels of leaves within the pen, and by Spring, the whole is well on its way to compost (or the best topdressing/mulch in the world). Anyway, given the cost of the shavings, I'm glad that they will have a new life as plant growth enhancers!
The new shavings smell so nice. The new pullets are laying every day and the EEs and Isbars are starting back in. The Hampbergs and bantams are still on strike. My splash roo is over the Moon since the two mean roos and guineas are gone. He is deeply infatuated with the new pullets. He gives them first place at the treat bowls (over the older hans, that's loyalty for you).
Christmas and general holiday greetings to all my fellow chicken fanatics.