Best Setup Under Roosting Bars Poop Board, Trough, or Something Else?

[EggWiseScholar]

Hi everyone,

After a long winter of using a low-to-the-ground chicken tractor, Im realizing how much better a walk-in coop space would be. Im planning out the interior and trying to decide the best setup under the roosting bars.

I know poop boards are a popular option, but I had another idea: what if I set up a removable trough underneath the roosting area? The chickens would poop into it at night, and I could occasionally toss some straw on topkind of like a deep litter method, but only in that one section. Every so often, I could pull the trough out with the ATV, dump it, and slide it back in.

Has anyone tried something like this? Would it work well, or is there a better system for managing that overnight mess? Id love to hear your ideas and experiences!

[FeatherFlux]

A walk-in coop is a game-changer! I use poop boards covered with a layer of PDZ, and it keeps everything super dry and easy to scoop. Your trough idea sounds good, but make sure it's not too deep,otherwise, airflow gets restricted, and things can get pretty gross fast. If you do go the deep litter route, stirring it up regularly and using something absorbent like pine shavings or straw will help keep smells and moisture down.

[PasturePecker]

Hi everyone,

After a long winter of using a low-to-the-ground chicken tractor, Im realizing how much better a walk-in coop space would be. Im planning out the interior and trying to decide the best setup under the roosting bars.

I know poop boards are a popular option, but I had another idea: what if I set up a removable trough underneath the roosting area? The chickens would poop into it at night, and I could occasionally toss some straw on topkind of like a deep litter method, but only in that one section. Every so often, I could pull the trough out with the ATV, dump it, and slide it back in.

Has anyone tried something like this? Would it work well, or is there a better system for managing that overnight mess? Id love to hear your ideas and experiences!

Poop boards work great! Easy to scrape daily, and it keeps bedding cleaner. A trough sounds more work, but could be efficient if designed well.

[HatchMaster]

I think the trough could work well if you design it thoughtfully. Maybe install it on rails so it slides out easily, and add a removable grate on top to keep the chickens from kicking bedding into it. If you use straw, make sure to keep it dry, or it'll turn into a heavy, soggy mess. You could even add a little compost starter to help break things down faster!

[BroodMistress]

Hi everyone,

After a long winter of using a low-to-the-ground chicken tractor, Im realizing how much better a walk-in coop space would be. Im planning out the interior and trying to decide the best setup under the roosting bars.

I know poop boards are a popular option, but I had another idea: what if I set up a removable trough underneath the roosting area? The chickens would poop into it at night, and I could occasionally toss some straw on topkind of like a deep litter method, but only in that one section. Every so often, I could pull the trough out with the ATV, dump it, and slide it back in.

Has anyone tried something like this? Would it work well, or is there a better system for managing that overnight mess? Id love to hear your ideas and experiences!

I like the trough idea,especially with deep litter. Just make sure it's easy to remove and clean, or it might get heavy and messy fast.

[NestingNerd]

I use a combination of sand and PDZ under the roosts. It's like a giant litter box,clean, easy, and keeps the coop fresh.

[HatchlingHustler]

I tried a deep litter trough once, and it worked okay. Just be sure to manage moisture well,wet bedding and poop can lead to nasty ammonia buildup.

[Eggnigma]

Hi everyone,

After a long winter of using a low-to-the-ground chicken tractor, Im realizing how much better a walk-in coop space would be. Im planning out the interior and trying to decide the best setup under the roosting bars.

I know poop boards are a popular option, but I had another idea: what if I set up a removable trough underneath the roosting area? The chickens would poop into it at night, and I could occasionally toss some straw on topkind of like a deep litter method, but only in that one section. Every so often, I could pull the trough out with the ATV, dump it, and slide it back in.

Has anyone tried something like this? Would it work well, or is there a better system for managing that overnight mess? Id love to hear your ideas and experiences!

Poop boards with a compost system nearby might be easier. You could scrape directly into a compost bin and avoid moving a heavy trough altogether.