Do frequent full bedding changes if not using deep litter

If deep litter isn't practical for your setup, commit to frequent full bedding replacement — remove all soiled bedding and replace with fresh, dry material every 3–7 days depending on flock size and weather. Duck droppings contain roughly 90% water, so bedding in a duck coop saturates far faster than in a chicken coop. Spot-clean the wettest areas daily.

Why It Works

Fresh bedding absorbs moisture immediately, keeping the coop floor dry and reducing ammonia buildup. Frequent replacement prevents the bacterial and fungal growth that thrives in damp, warm bedding and can cause bumblefoot, aspergillosis, and other infections. While more labor-intensive than deep litter, this method is simpler to manage correctly and is better suited for small coops with limited ventilation.

Tips

• Budget for higher bedding costs — frequent changes use 2–3x more material than deep litter over the same period
• Pine shavings are cheapest when bought in compressed bales from farm supply stores ($6–8 per bale)
• Compost used bedding for 2–3 months before applying to gardens — fresh duck manure is too nitrogen-rich and will burn plants
• In rainy seasons, increase change frequency to every 2–3 days