The coop roosting area is about 4x4, though the coop is 4x8 and 4'-5.5' high. We did put down vinyl flooring 1' high to accommodate a deep litter method. While I had heard that this method provides some insulation to the coop and to the residents, I really got to see the difference these past 2 weeks in May.
On May 2nd, I did a full scoop out of the litter and scraped the perches. The litter filled up 4 Hello Fresh boxes, which I'll burn or compost later. It did take me about 3 hours. I had hoped to do a full cleaning of the coop, but was rather exhausted just doing the scoop out.
Learnings:
It was kind of tricky getting started. Really, where do you start? There's about 9" of litter and poop and then the perches.
- Start with a kitty litter scooper. Easy to manage to make a controlled start.
- I made a screen scooper, once I cleared an area with the kitty litter scooper, it went a little better.
- The litter has a mix of dirt. I wanted to keep sifted dirt in the coop. So I wanted to keep sifting.
- I had to break for nestbox laying.
So that was the process. Here's why I'm sold on this method!
- No smell. The only issue I had being in the coop was kicking up dust, so I covered my face with a bandana.
- We have roughly a 3 floor coop, the bedding offers a soft floor because even with ramps, they usually like to shortcut their way.
- It really does provide insulation, with the poop. After I scooped out 9" of litter, I replaced it with about 4" of clean pine shavings. The night temperatures dropped from being 5F warmer than outside to being the same inside.
- And when the temps did drop below 0 this past winter, the low didn't go below 0 in the coop. Making the delta greater than 5F at times.
- Weekly maintenance was minimal, great in the winter when you really don't want that kind of chore in winter weather.
I didn't get before pictures, will try next time.
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