Deep litter
Deep litter is a way of keeping chickens (or other animals) warm and clean in their coop. It involves spreading a lot of straw or other bedding material on the floor of the coop and letting it build up over time.
As the chickens move around and scratch the bedding, it gets mixed and aerated, which helps it decompose naturally. This decomposition process generates heat, which helps keep the coop warm in cold weather.
At the same time, the bedding material absorbs moisture and chicken droppings, which would otherwise create a damp and unsanitary environment. By keeping the coop dry and clean, deep litter creates a healthier and more comfortable living space for the chickens.
Overall, deep litter is a simple and low-maintenance approach to chicken keeping that mimics the natural processes of the forest floor. It's also an environmentally-friendly way to dispose of organic waste, as the decomposed bedding can be used as compost for gardens and crops.
As the chickens move around and scratch the bedding, it gets mixed and aerated, which helps it decompose naturally. This decomposition process generates heat, which helps keep the coop warm in cold weather.
At the same time, the bedding material absorbs moisture and chicken droppings, which would otherwise create a damp and unsanitary environment. By keeping the coop dry and clean, deep litter creates a healthier and more comfortable living space for the chickens.
Overall, deep litter is a simple and low-maintenance approach to chicken keeping that mimics the natural processes of the forest floor. It's also an environmentally-friendly way to dispose of organic waste, as the decomposed bedding can be used as compost for gardens and crops.