Deep litter system

Deep litter system

This provides excellent conditions for poultry if properly managed. A 10–15cm layer of straw, wood shavings or rice hulls is placed on the floor of the shed. Keep the litter at a depth of 15 cm by adding more fresh material when necessary, as the scratching of the birds and their droppings cause the material to break down into a compost-like material. The litter must remain dry at all times and any litter, which becomes wet or caked, must be removed. The old litter should be cleaned out at the end of each year—it is an excellent garden fertilizer.