We want you to get the very most out of all our products, which is why we don’t just offer high-quality wood and vegetable fibre, flours and granules, but also advice on how to best use them. Poultry bedding, for example, is one of the many fibres that we sell, along with corn cob and wood flour. This bedding is meant to be placed on the floor of coops and barns to create a comfortable and hygienic environment for birds like chickens; but did you know that it can also be used as compost for your garden?
By using the deep litter method, you can easily transform your old poultry bedding into nutrient-rich goodness that can enrich garden soil, act as fertiliser for plants, and even improve grass growth. Here’s a bit more information about the deep litter method and why it’s useful.
What is the Deep Litter Method?
Unlike frequently replacing your poultry bedding, the Deep Litter Method involves layering fresh bedding material whilst allowing the old bedding and droppings underneath to compost naturally. As this organic material breaks down overtime, you are then left with a nutrient-rich compound that can be harvested and used in your farms.
What are its Benefits?
First and foremost, this method of poultry bedding management results in the creation of compost. Compost is an organic material which is created from decomposed materials. It’s widely used in gardening due to being full of nutrients that can benefit plant life.
Beyond compost, there are other benefits that come from using the deep litter method. You will reduce the amount of waste that you produce, as instead of throwing out old bedding, you’ll be letting it decompose into compost which can then be reused. As well as reducing waste, you’ll also be saving money on buying expensive chemical fertilisers as you’ll already be creating your very own natural one. Lastly, you’ll be benefitting your poultry, too. The decomposing bedding generates warmth which helps keeps keep the birds comfortable, especially during the winter.
Implementing the Deep Litter Method
Now that we’ve covered exactly what this method is and its benefits, let’s now take a closer look at how to correctly implement it:
Preparation of the Poultry House
Before diving in, it’s best to make sure that your poultry house is ready and up to the task. You can do this by ensuring that there is adequate airflow throughout the area. This will prevent the build-up of ammonia. Also take steps to ensure that the area is protected from water leaks and spills, as excess moisture can disrupt the composting process.
Initial Setup
Once pre-emptive actions have been taken, you can begin setting up the bedding layer. Start by laying down a thick base layer of bedding material (about 4-6 inches deep) on the poultry house floor. This will act as the foundation for the composting process.
Monitoring and Maintenance
You should regularly monitor and maintain your bedding once lied down. To monitor it, look out for signs of excess moisture like wet or soiled patches. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the deep litter. It should be warm but not excessively hot.
General maintenance starts with adding a thin layer of fresh bedding every 1-2 weeks to cover droppings and maintain dryness. For additional maintenance, use a rake or pitchfork to periodically turn the deep litter, as this keeps the compost process active by introducing oxygen. Also, remove any excessively wet or soiled patches of bedding if needed or alternatively, lightly sprinkle water on dry areas.
Harvesting the Compost
Deep litter compost is ready to harvest when it has a dark appearance as well as a crumbly texture and an earthy smell. Usually, this takes around 6-12 months.
Safety Tips
To ensure that the deep litter method is carried out safely, it’s you should maintain proper hygiene, manage decomposition effectively, and create a healthy environment for animals and workers. There are several considerations to keep in mind:
- Use absorbent bedding: choose bedding made from materials that are clean, dry, and free from mould and harmful chemicals.
- Monitor moisture levels: regularly monitor the moisture level, using a hygrometer, to make sure it’s within the necessary range (20-40%),
- Manage moisture levels: add clean bedding to cover soiled areas to keep the surface dry and make sure the floor has adequate drainage.
- Maintain proper ventilation: ensure adequate airflow to prevent ammonia buildup.
- Keep feeding & water areas clean: Keep food and water sources away from the bedding to help them stay fresh.
End Note
All in all, the deep litter method is an incredible system that brings together sustainability, cost savings, and poultry welfare, all with very little effort, leaving the natural decomposition to do most of the work. With its aid, you can provide a comfortable living space for your poultry whilst also creating a vital source of nutrition for your garden. So, if you’re looking for a smarter and more efficient way to manage your poultry bedding, then deep litter is a must-try.
Eden Poultry Bedding
We want your poultry houses to have positive effects on the chickens, birds, and turkeys within them, which is why we only supply high-quality poultry bedding that is highly absorbent, affordable, and sustainable. It also retains warmth which makes it useful all year round, including in the winter. For enquiries and more information about our products, call our customer service team on 01606 835757 or email info@edenproductsltd.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.