Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hi everyone,

I’ve been using the deep litter method in my chicken coop for a few months now, and while I’ve read that it’s supposed to be low-maintenance and help control odors, I’ve been noticing a strong smell lately. I turn the bedding regularly and add fresh material when it looks compacted, but it doesn’t seem to help much.

Am I missing a step or using the wrong type of bedding? I’ve been using a mix of pine shavings and straw. Could it be the moisture level? How can I get it back on track without having to start over completely?

Thanks in advance for any tips or advice!

It sounds like moisture might be the issue here. The deep litter method works best when the bedding is slightly damp but not wet. If it’s too wet, it can start to smell bad. Try adding more dry bedding, like pine shavings, and make sure the coop has good ventilation to help reduce moisture buildup.

Also, you might want to check if the waterers are leaking or if rain is getting into the coop. Both can cause excess moisture. I’ve had success sprinkling a thin layer of agricultural lime into the bedding before adding fresh material. It helps neutralize odors and balance the pH.

SunkenHarvest wrote: Tue Jan 14, 2025 6:53 am Hi everyone,

I’ve been using the deep litter method in my chicken coop for a few months now, and while I’ve read that it’s supposed to be low-maintenance and help control odors, I’ve been noticing a strong smell lately. I turn the bedding regularly and add fresh material when it looks compacted, but it doesn’t seem to help much.

Am I missing a step or using the wrong type of bedding? I’ve been using a mix of pine shavings and straw. Could it be the moisture level? How can I get it back on track without having to start over completely?

Thanks in advance for any tips or advice!

I had the same problem when I first started! One thing that made a big difference for me was making sure I was adding enough carbon-rich bedding to balance out the nitrogen from the chicken droppings. If there’s too much poop compared to the bedding, the smell can get overwhelming.

Try adding more shavings or straw and see if it improves. Another trick I’ve learned is to turn the bedding more frequently for a few days to get more oxygen into the mix. Proper aeration helps the decomposition process and reduces the smell. Hang in there, it gets easier once you get the balance right!

Sometimes the mix of bedding can be an issue. You might want to try switching to just pine shavings or adding in some wood chips for better moisture absorption.

Consider adding a bit of agricultural lime to help neutralize odors. Also, try to avoid overfeeding your chickens, as too much food can lead to excess waste and moisture.

I've had the same issue! I found that adding a little more dry bedding helps soak up the moisture, but you might also want to check for leaks in your coop that could be contributing to excess humidity.

It might be the moisture level-if the bedding gets too wet, it can lead to odors. Make sure to add dry bedding when you turn it, and check for wet spots. A good balance of moisture and ventilation is key!

A common issue could be that the straw holds too much moisture and doesn't break down as easily as other bedding materials. You might want to try a bedding mix with more wood chips or shavings for better absorption.

You might be adding bedding too frequently without giving it time to break down. Allowing the bedding to compost properly before adding more can help reduce odors.

Have you tried adding more air circulation? Sometimes poor ventilation can trap moisture and smells. Also, try adding more dry bedding consistently-pine shavings are great for odor control.