The Joy of Keeping Chickens Quotes

“Dry softwood or pine shavings sold in bales at most feed stores are the ideal litter choice for chickens, though they are also the most expensive. The shavings do an excellent job of neutralizing the ammonia within the droppings and drying out the manure so that it is more easily handled. Shavings can also be used directly from the sawmill, but keep in mind that this litter has most likely not been kiln-dried, and will not be as good at absorbing moisture. It may also contain hardwood shavings, which tend to darken with moisture, making a less attractive interior in your coop.”
― Jennifer Megyesi, The Joy of Keeping Chickens: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Poultry for Fun or Profit

“The roosts themselves can be as simple as a branch suspended above the coop’s floor. A more practical roost is one constructed with 4-foot lengths of lumber (such as 2 x 4s) bolted together at a 45-degree angle. Parallel pieces of lumber are then run perpendicular to the 2 x 4s, spaced about 24 inches apart to form an A-frame shape.”
― Jennifer Megyesi, The Joy of Keeping Chickens: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Poultry for Fun or Profit