The Deep Litter System is a coop management method where organic materials are allowed to accumulate on the floor gradually.
Unlike traditional cleaning, which involves regularly replacing all the bedding, this approach layers carbon-rich materials to absorb nitrogen from chicken droppings.
It creates a more natural, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance environment. You start with 4 to 6 inches of litter on the coop floor.
This isn’t a new idea. Poultry keepers have used it for decades, referring to it as a “good old-fashioned” method.
In 1949, researchers Kennard and Chamberlin documented its benefits, proving it to be a well-established, experience-backed technique, not just a modern trend.
The Deep Litter System is more than cleaning—it’s a shift in how you manage your coop. It uses natural processes that can support both flock health and sustainability. Its long history shows it’s a reliable, time-tested method.
The Biological Engine: Decomposition in Action
The success of the Deep Litter System depends on a thriving mix of microorganisms. Beneficial bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and others break down chicken droppings and bedding materials.
These microbes drive natural decomposition, much like garden composting—only it happens right inside your coop. When your litter is rich with active microbes, waste breaks down efficiently.
A key factor here is balancing carbon and nitrogen in the litter. Carbon-rich materials, such as pine shavings or dry leaves, help absorb nitrogen from chicken manure.
To prevent harmful ammonia buildup, aim for a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio between 25:1 and 30:1. Too much nitrogen can produce ammonia gas, which can harm your flock.
Like compost piles, this system undergoes distinct stages—starting with a warm-up phase, followed by a high-heat phase, and finally cooling and maturation.
Each stage supports different microbes. The heat from the high-temp phase is a bonus, helping to warm your coop during colder months.
Moisture and airflow also matter. While moisture supports microbial activity, excessive moisture can lead to the growth of mold and other harmful bacteria.
Chicken droppings contain about 85% water, so your litter is more likely to get too wet than too dry. Oxygen is just as essential.
Chickens help by scratching and turning the bedding, but you may need to stir undisturbed areas by hand to maintain consistent airflow.
Think of the Deep Litter System as a living compost pile right inside your coop, with your chickens actively helping out.
When you manage the balance of carbon, nitrogen, moisture, and air, the system works smoothly. And while the heat it produces can help in winter, be mindful during summer to keep your flock cool.
Benefits of The Deep Litter System
One significant benefit of the Deep Litter System is that it helps keep unpleasant odors at bay. If you manage it well, your coop won’t stink like chicken poop.
Tiny helpful microbes break down the droppings and stop ammonia from building up, which is what causes strong odours. Instead of a foul smell, you’ll notice a clean, earthy scent, like soil in the woods.
Another reason to love this system? You don’t have to clean your coop all the time. Forget daily or even weekly cleanups.
With deep litter, you might only need to clean it out once or twice a year. That means less work and more free time for you.
Here’s something else: it makes excellent compost. As the litter and poop break down, they turn into rich, dark soil.
Chicken poop is full of nitrogen—awesome for your garden. When you clean the coop, leaving a little old litter behind helps the new bedding break down faster.
Deep litter can also help your chickens stay healthy. The good microbes in the litter fight off the bad ones. While scratching around, your chickens might even pick up Vitamin B12.
Some people say it also helps prevent coccidiosis, a common chicken illness. Plus, scratching and pecking keep your flock happy and busy. In winter, the compost emits a slight amount of heat, keeping the coop warm.
You’ll also get a few extra perks. The thick litter helps insulate the coop floor during cold months. It may even reduce the number of flies and mosquitoes. And since you’re tossing out less bedding, it’s better for the planet too.
If you want a cleaner coop, less work, and healthier chickens, the Deep Litter System is a wise choice. It’s simple, natural, and works for both you and your flock.
Choosing Your Deep Litter Bedding Material
Choosing the right litter material is key to making your Deep Litter System work well. Each type has its pros and cons, so it’s all about finding what best fits your setup and environment.
Pine shavings are one of the most popular choices. They’re great at soaking up moisture and controlling odor, and you can usually find them easily. But there are some downsides—pine can be dusty, and long-term exposure might cause mild issues for your chickens’ liver or breathing. Plus, it takes longer to compost compared to other materials.
Straw is another standard option. It’s affordable, easy to find, and provides excellent insulation. It’s also softer, less dusty, and encourages natural scratching behavior. However, straw doesn’t dry out well and can stay damp, leading to mold or respiratory issues. Chickens might even eat it, which can cause crop problems. Because of these risks, straw isn’t the best choice for your base layer.
Dried leaves can be a good free option, especially if you have trees nearby. They offer decent insulation, making the coop feel more natural. Chickens love scratching through them. But leaves aren’t very absorbent and must be completely dry to prevent mold. Gathering enough can be time-consuming, and some hens may start laying eggs in leaf piles.
There are several other materials worth considering as well.
Hemp bedding is highly absorbent, low in dust, and offers good insulation, although it can be pricey.
Wood chips are long-lasting, high in carbon, and allow for good airflow, but they must be dry before use.
Sawdust soaks up moisture well and breaks down slowly, but it doesn’t fluff up like other materials—make sure to use only kiln-dried or aged types.
Shredded cardboard and paper are budget-friendly and eco-conscious, but they offer limited insulation and can become soggy quickly.
Sand drains well and controls odor, but doesn’t hold heat. River or construction sand is better than play sand and works best in dry climates or when mixed with other bedding during winter.
Agricultural byproducts, such as corn stalks, rice hulls, peanut shells, and millet chaff, are also excellent choices. They absorb well, compost nicely, and are often readily available locally.
Now, there are some materials you should avoid.
Cedar shavings can harm chickens’ lungs.
Cat litter clumps, gets dusty, and doesn’t compost.
Hay holds moisture, molds easily, and contains too much nitrogen, which can lead to ammonia buildup.
Also, avoid green wood chips—they’re still wet and can add unwanted moisture to your coop.
Your litter choice significantly affects how well your Deep Litter System manages moisture, odor, warmth, and overall chicken health.
There’s no single “best” material—it all depends on your climate, budget, what’s available, and what your flock needs. You can even mix materials to get better results.
For example, combining pine straw with other types can improve airflow, and adding sand to straw or shavings can help keep things warmer in winter.
Setting Up Your Deep Litter System Bedding
To set up a Deep Litter System the right way, start by thinking about space. Your chickens require space to move around, scratch, and maintain their health.
Plan for at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop. If it’s too crowded, the system won’t break down waste properly.
You’ll also need sufficient vertical space, as the litter will accumulate over time. Aim for about 12 inches of depth to get the full benefits.
Good ventilation is just as important. Your coop requires proper airflow to maintain moisture control and prevent the accumulation of harmful gases, such as ammonia.
Add vents or open eaves to let fresh air circulate, but be cautious—don’t let cold drafts blow directly over the roosting bars.
Chickens can get sick from chilly air while they sleep. Good air circulation helps both your flock and the composting process.
When you’re ready to start, clean and dry your coop first. Then lay down a base layer of bedding, around 4 to 6 inches deep. Cover the entire floor with your chosen material.
Spring or early summer is the ideal time to start, as warmer temperatures help accelerate the composting process. Avoid starting in cold months if you can.
A mix of large and small particles, such as straw on top of wood shavings, can help with airflow and breakdown. And if your coop has open doorways, a small lip or edge can stop the litter from spilling out.
The type of floor in your coop also makes a difference. Dirt floors work well because they allow natural microbes and moisture to interact with the litter, helping the composting process.
If you have a wood or concrete floor, it can still work—you’ll just need to manage it more carefully. Wood floors may soak up moisture over time, which can lead to rot.
Concrete doesn’t allow moisture to drain, which can slow down the process. If you’re using plywood, laying down a waterproof liner is a smart move to protect it from damage.
In short, success with the Deep Litter System begins with adequate space, proper airflow, and optimal timing.
Warm weather helps microbes thrive, and dirt floors provide a natural boost to their growth. With the appropriate setup, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, lower-maintenance chicken coop.
Maintenance Needed in Your Deep Litter System
Once your Deep Litter System is up and running, a little regular upkeep goes a long way. The key to long-term success is keeping the litter fresh and active. One of the most critical tasks is turning the litter.
Grab a rake or pitchfork and flip it over every week or so. This helps bury droppings, brings clean bedding to the top, and adds oxygen, precisely what the good microbes need to do their job.
Your chickens will also help out by scratching and foraging. If you toss a few treats or scratch grains on the surface, they’ll dig right in and help with mixing, too.
You’ll also want to add fresh bedding on a regular basis. A new layer of 1 to 2 inches is applied every week—or as needed—to keep things clean and maintain the system’s optimal functioning.
Try to hold at least 6 inches of litter depth, but going deeper (12 to 18 inches) can be even more effective.
The amount of bedding you’ll need depends on the number of chickens you have and the moisture level of the litter.
Moisture control is super important. Your litter should feel just slightly damp, crumbly, not soggy. Too wet and you’ll get bad smells and bacteria. Too dry, and the composting will slow down.
If water spills or you find wet patches under roosts or waterers, clean those spots up and mix in some dry bedding. Try to keep your waterers outside the coop to avoid spills.
Also, check for any leaks in the roof and make sure water isn’t draining into the coop from outside. If you live in an arid area, you may need to lightly mist the litter occasionally to keep it active.
Pest control in a Deep Litter System is mostly natural. A dry, well-ventilated coop will keep most bugs away. The good microbes in healthy litter can even help protect against mites and lice.
Avoid adding diatomaceous earth directly to the bedding—it also kills beneficial microbes. If needed, you can use wood ash on the birds for lice and mites.
Clean up any spilled feed to avoid attracting rodents and insects, and use screens or traps if pests become a problem. Some chicken keepers also use coop sprays with natural oils, such as eucalyptus or lemongrass, to keep flies away.
You can even plant herbs like mint, garlic, lavender, marigold, and rosemary around the coop to help repel bugs naturally.
The best part? You only need to do a deep clean once or twice a year. Spring and fall are great times for this. When you clean out the coop, don’t remove everything—leave a couple of inches of old litter behind.
It’s full of helpful microbes that will jump-start your next batch. You’ll know it’s time for a complete clean when the litter is 12–18 inches deep or it’s mostly turned into rich, earthy compost. That compost is garden gold—use it to feed your plants!
Common Problems and Solutions in Deep Litter System
The Deep Litter System is excellent, but it does need some care. One common issue is when the bedding gets too wet.
Wet litter can cause a strong ammonia smell, encourage mold growth, and even make your chickens sick.
To fix this, make sure your coop has good airflow. Add dry bedding, such as wood shavings or hemp, regularly.
Check for leaks and repair them promptly. Use a tarp on the chicken coop rooftop and corners.
Moving waterers outside the coop can also help prevent spills. And don’t forget to turn the litter often to help it dry out.
You may occasionally notice a strong ammonia smell. This usually means the litter is too wet or there’s too much chicken poop.
Ammonia is harmful to your chickens’ eyes and lungs. To fix this, add more dry, carbon-rich bedding and open windows for fresh air.
Regularly turning the litter helps maintain balance. You can also try natural odor absorbers, such as Sweet PDZ or barn lime, to help control odors.
Pests like flies, mites, and rodents can be a problem if the coop isn’t kept clean. Keeping the litter dry and picking up spilled feed goes a long way in maintaining a clean environment.
Use screens and traps to keep rodents out. Your chickens will help too, by scratching around and eating insect larvae.
Planting herbs like lavender, mint, or rosemary near the coop can repel pests naturally. For mites, applying wood ash to your birds can be helpful—just avoid harsh chemicals in the litter, as they kill the beneficial microbes.
Dust may become an issue if the litter dries out excessively. Choosing less dusty bedding, such as straw or hemp, and maintaining good ventilation will help keep the air fresh.
In dry climates, you can lightly mist the litter to maintain optimal moisture levels, but be cautious not to overdo it.
If you find your hens laying eggs on the floor, it could be because the litter is too deep or the nesting boxes aren’t inviting.
Ensure the nests are cozy and easily accessible. Collect floor eggs often, and try reducing the litter depth near the nesting area to encourage hens to use the boxes.
Sometimes the litter can become hard and compacted, which slows down decomposition. Use a rake or pitchfork to turn it regularly and break up any crusty spots.
Mixing in pine straw or other types of bedding can improve airflow. Your chickens’ scratching also helps keep the litter loose and healthy.
Most problems with the Deep Litter System stem from issues with moisture and ventilation. Keep those two factors in check, and your coop will stay fresh and healthy.
Simply add dry bedding as needed, open the windows for fresh air, and turn the litter box regularly. It’s much easier than cleaning the entire coop all the time.
Deep Litter Around the World: Global Utilization and Regional Adaptations
The Deep Litter System is a versatile method for managing your chicken coop, used worldwide in various climates. While the core method stays the same, you’ll need to adjust how you use it based on your local conditions.
If you live in a cold climate, the deep litter acts as insulation, and the composting process generates heat to keep your chickens warmer in winter.
In humid environments, good airflow and absorbent bedding are crucial for controlling moisture and preventing mold.
In dry climates, the system can be more challenging because it requires some moisture to function correctly.
You may need to water the litter lightly now, and then continue the composting process. And in hot weather, ventilation is crucial to prevent your coop from overheating, as the litter itself generates heat.
Around the world, people use whatever litter materials are readily available. For example, farmers in Senegal use wood chips, peanut shells, and millet chaff as fuel sources.
They keep the litter relatively deep and sometimes add natural microbes to accelerate composting.
In tropical countries like Indonesia, some worry that the system could cause heat stress, so managing airflow is crucial.
The Deep Litter System is preferred in cold climates like Canada for winter warmth due to its insulating properties and heat generation for chickens. In dry UK winters, farmers occasionally add water to keep the process active.
Small farmers in tropical areas often find this system helpful because it supports chicken health while cutting costs compared to intensive farming.
More places are moving away from the use of heavy antibiotics in poultry. Systems like Deep Litter focus on healthier, more natural living conditions.
However, as some countries grow and demand more meat, intensive farming practices with antibiotics may increase again, raising concerns about antibiotic resistance.
The Deep Litter System works well in different setups — from traditional coops to percheries and free-range systems. That flexibility makes it a favorite for many chicken keepers.
The key to success is understanding your climate and resources. Farmers worldwide adapt the system in their ways, demonstrating its flexibility and effectiveness.
The basics remain the same, but you can tailor it to suit your environment, keeping your flock healthy and comfortable.
Conclusion
The Deep Litter System provides a natural, low-maintenance approach to managing your chicken coop. It controls odors, reduces cleaning, and produces nutrient-rich fertilizer.
By maintaining good ventilation and selecting the right bedding, you create a healthy environment that supports your chickens’ well-being and natural behavior.
With regular turning and fresh bedding, the system stays balanced and effective.
Its adaptability makes it an excellent option for chicken owners everywhere who want a simple, eco-friendly coop solution.
If you want an easy way to keep your coop clean and healthy, the Deep Litter System is worth trying.
