Hey fellow chicken enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share a quick and easy DIY Deep Bedding trick that has revolutionized the way I manage my chicken coop bedding. If you’ve ever dealt with the frustration of wood chips escaping every time you open the coop door, this one’s for you.
The Dilemma: Escaping Wood Chips
After we got our chicken coop, every time we opened the coop door, wood chips would fall out, cause chips to scatter everywhere, and make it difficult for the coop door to close. We either had to stop, waste time, and clear them out of the hinge area and threshold or try to shove it closed causing the door to bow. Enough was enough – it was time for a solution
The Idea: Enter the Mighty 2×6
In a stroke of DIY brilliance (if I do say so myself), we decided to insert a simple 2×6 piece of wood right by the coop door. The goal was straightforward – create a barrier that would keep those mischievous wood chips in check, right where they belonged. You could of course choose whatever size width of board you like, but for us 6 inches will hold back the wood chips.
The Setup: Easy as Pie
Instead of a permanent mount, we decided to make it hinged to raise and lower it. This will make the occasional clean up and fresh chips easier by raising the wood out of the way. Armed with a 2×6 piece of wood and some tools, we got to work. We measured the length we needed to block the door, and cut the wood with our dewalt circular saw.
Next we added a hinge and cut a special notch so that it could swing up and not bump a roosting bar. You may need to customize your board for the roost bars in your coop. Next, I secured the hinge to the floor by the coop door, making sure it was snug and steady. It was a quick and painless process, and the impact was immediate. Finally we added a little hook and eyelet screw to hold the wood up when lifted on its hinge.
When the chips are down
With the 2×6 in place, the coop door opened and closed without sending wood chips on a great escape. The bedding material stayed inside, creating a cozy and deep bedding environment for my feathery friends. No more wasted wood chips, and cleaning the coop became a breeze.
Happy Coop, Happy Chickens
If you’re dealing with the same wood chip exodus, this simple hack could be a game-changer for you. It’s cost-effective, takes minimal time, and the benefits are instant. Your chickens will thank you for the extra bedding, and you’ll thank yourself for the hassle-free coop maintenance.
In the world of chicken keeping, sometimes the simplest solutions make the biggest impact. My coop is now a DIY deep bedding haven, all thanks to a humble 2×6 piece of wood. Give it a try, and let me know how it works for you.
Here’s to happy coops and contented clucks!
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