Last updated: July 2026 • Reviewed by The Coop Score team
The deep litter method lets bedding and droppings compost in place over weeks or months instead of being cleaned out regularly. Done correctly, it cuts weekly cleaning time and generates a small amount of composting heat that helps in cold weather.
How It Works
Start with 3-4 inches of dry bedding (pine shavings or straw) and add a fresh layer on top every week or two instead of removing the old layer. Stirring the litter occasionally helps droppings break down into the bedding rather than sitting on the surface. Over time, beneficial bacteria in the composting layer help control odor and even suppress some pathogens, similar to how a compost pile works.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: cuts weekly cleaning to occasional top-offs instead of full cleanouts, directly improving your coop’s effective Upkeep Load.
- Pro: composting bedding generates mild heat, a genuine help in cold climates.
- Pro: finished litter makes excellent garden compost once fully broken down.
- Con: needs adequate ventilation to avoid ammonia buildup — this method doesn’t work well in poorly ventilated coops.
- Con: requires periodic full cleanouts (typically twice a year) even though weekly maintenance drops significantly.
Starting It in an Existing Coop
- Clean the coop out completely once to start with a fresh base layer.
- Add 3-4 inches of dry pine shavings or straw as your starting layer.
- Add a thin fresh layer weekly, stirring lightly to mix droppings into the bedding.
- Watch for ammonia smell — if you notice it, add a fresh layer immediately and check your ventilation.
- Plan a full cleanout roughly twice a year, or when the litter depth reaches 8-12 inches.
Not all bedding materials work equally well for this method — see our Best Chicken Coop Bedding Options Compared guide. Using deep litter through winter? Pair it with our How to Winterize a Chicken Coop guide for the full cold-weather picture.