How to Use Hemp Bedding for the Deep Litter Method (Step-by-Step Guide)

Manure. Probably not anyone’s favorite topic, but an important one, nonetheless. Because, well… manure happens. But what if we told you there was a better way to handle your chicken manure? With less mess, less smell, and less maintenance.

Enter: hemp bedding for chickens, small animals, and livestock.

Industrial hemp is a versatile, eco-friendly plant that has been used for centuries to make clothing, paper, canvas, rope and more recently for food products, biodegradable plastics, and biofuels. (And who could forget the sartorial reign of the late ’90s hemp necklace?)

Today hemp has found a much more practical use as animal bedding.

Hemp bedding forms the foundation of a healthy chicken coop or enclosure for small pets and livestock. It supports animal comfort while reducing the amount of time and effort required for daily maintenance—benefits that are especially valuable in winter, when animals spend more time indoors.

Made from the woody inner stalk (or hurd) of the hemp plant, hemp bedding is soft, highly absorbent, and virtually dust-free. It can absorb up to four times its weight in moisture, reduce unpleasant odors such as ammonia, and biodegrade much faster than traditional bedding materials like wood shavings. These qualities make hemp bedding particularly well suited for the deep litter method.

For animal keepers, that means cleaner enclosures, healthier and happier animals, and less work.

What is the Deep Litter Method?

The deep litter method is a low-maintenance manure management system that requires less frequent clean-outs and produces compost that can be reused in the garden.

Instead of cleaning out animal bedding every few days, you spot-clean heavily soiled or obvious wet areas while leaving the rest of the bedding in place. Every few weeks, a fresh layer of bedding is added to the top. Over time, the lower layers slowly decompose into compost, while the surface remains dry and comfortable for your animals.

When the lower layers are ready to be removed, simply brush aside the top layer and remove the lower layers. Then, start the process afresh. RentACoop EGGsperts recommend doing a full coop clean out just 1-3 times a year.

Why the Deep Litter Method Works in All Seasons

The deep litter method works as a natural, year-round insulator.

In colder months, the dry, thick layers of bedding hold warmth, buffer your flock from the cold ground, and give off a gentle, steady heat as the carbon-rich hemp combines with the nitrogen in chicken manure to decompose.

In warmer months, the hemp helps absorb heat and moisture, moderating temperature swings in your coop, and keeping chickens comfortable and cool.

How to Use the Deep Litter Method in Your Chicken Coop?

Can I Use the Deep Litter Method for Other Animals?

Yes. Hemp bedding is even used in zoos due to its high absorbency and low-dust properties. It is gentle and durable enough for a wide range of animals, including chicks, horses, goats, rabbits, reptiles, and caged birds. The same principles of deep litter apply across species, with adjustments for enclosure size and animal needs. Rabbits for example, tend to use designated areas for litter, so hemp bedding is only needed in those areas.

How to Compost Hemp Bedding

Hemp bedding is ideal for composting, because it is 100% biodegradable and breaks down quickly. Bonus: RentACoop’s premium hemp bedding is also pesticide- and herbicide-free, making it safe for use in vegetable and kitchen gardens.

How? Hemp’s hollow fibers promote airflow, retain moisture, and provide an excellent carbon-rich “brown” material that balances the high nitrogen content of chicken manure. Compared to wood shavings, hemp creates richer, more consistent compost.

When using the deep litter method, compost will be well on its way to being fully composted and garden- ready once removed from the coop. You will know it’s ready when it is dark in color, crumbly in texture, and earthy smelling. If it’s not quite there or you are unsure, just give it a little more time in the compost pile. To speed up the process, regularly turn the pile and keep it damp.

Without using the deep litter method, chicken bedding should be composted for 2-8 months before adding to your garden, as it will be high in nitrogen and ammonia which could be harmful to plant roots and seedlings.

Composting Steps Without Using Deep Litter

1. Collect and pile
   Place used hemp bedding in a compost pile, bin, barrel, or designated area of your yard. Kitchen scraps or leaves can be added to speed decomposition, but they are not required.
2. Add air and moisture (optional)
   Lightly turning the pile and keeping it slightly damp will accelerate the process, though hemp will compost even if left undisturbed.
3. Let nature work
   Microbes gradually transform hemp and manure into rich organic matter. Decomposition speed varies with temperature, moisture, and airflow.
4. Watch for the “soil stage”
   Compost is ready when it is dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling, with no visible bedding.
5. Typical timeline

·      With turning and mixing: 2–4 months

·      Mostly undisturbed (as with deep litter): 4–8 months

6. Garden-ready use
   Once fully composted, the material can be safely used in garden beds, around plants, or as a soil conditioner.

Is Hemp Bedding Cost-Effective?

While the upfront cost of hemp bedding is higher than some alternatives, it lasts longer because it only needs replacing a few times a year. A single bag goes a long way. RentACoop’s premium hemp bedding is carefully dried and extra-sifted to remove fine particles, reducing dust and ensuring you’re only paying for the hemp, not water.

Watch this space for an upcoming post that explores the science behind why hemp bedding outperforms traditional options, including deep dives into bird respiratory anatomy, fiber structure, and climate impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Deep Litter Method

Question: What is the deep litter method?

Answer: The deep litter method is a low-maintenance bedding system where layers of bedding and manure build up over time. Instead of frequent full clean-outs, you spot clean wet areas and add fresh bedding as needed while lower layers compost naturally in place.

Question: Does the deep litter method smell?

Answer: No—when managed properly, deep litter should not smell. Odors usually indicate excess moisture, too little bedding, or poor ventilation. Keeping the surface dry and adding fresh bedding prevents ammonia buildup.

Question: How deep should the bedding be?

Answer: Start with 4–6 inches of bedding. Over time, it may build up to 8–12 inches, especially during winter months. Deeper bedding improves moisture control, insulation, and composting activity.

Question: How often do I need to clean the coop?

Answer: Spot clean wet or heavily soiled areas every few days. Full clean-outs are only needed occasionally, 1-3 times per year, more frequently in warm humid climates or with large flock sizes.

Question: Should I turn or stir the litter?

Answer: This is a personal preference. Turning the litter speeds up the composting process and can release trapped ammonia. Deep litter works best when left mostly undisturbed, aside from spot cleaning and adding fresh bedding.

Question: Is the deep litter method safe for chickens?

Answer: Yes. When maintained correctly with low-dust bedding and proper ventilation, the deep litter method supports cleaner air, drier footing, and healthier birds.

Question: Will deep litter attract pests?

Answer: Not if managed correctly. Dry, carbon-rich bedding discourages flies and pests. Problems usually occur if bedding becomes wet or compacted without fresh material added.

Question: Does deep litter keep chickens warmer in winter?

Answer: Yes. As bedding and manure slowly compost, they generate gentle heat. The deep layers also act as insulation, helping maintain a warmer, more stable coop environment in cold weather.

Question: What is the best bedding for the deep litter method?

Answer: Highly absorbent, low-dust, carbon-rich materials work best. Hemp bedding is especially effective because it absorbs moisture quickly, controls odor, composts faster than wood shavings, and stays lighter and cleaner over time.

Question: Can I use deep litter in a small coop?

Answer: Yes, but it requires closer monitoring. Smaller coops need more frequent spot cleaning and bedding additions to prevent moisture buildup. Good ventilation is especially important in compact spaces.

Question: Can the deep litter method be used for other animals?

Answer: Yes. The deep litter method works for rabbits, goats, horses, and other livestock, with adjustments based on enclosure size and waste volume. Hemp bedding is commonly used across many species due to its absorbency and low dust.

Question: How long does it take for deep litter to turn into compost?

Answer: When left mostly undisturbed, composting typically takes 4–8 months. Warmer temperatures, airflow, and active turning can shorten the process to 2–4 months.

Question: When should I remove the litter?

Answer: Remove litter when it becomes too deep to manage, starts retaining moisture, or when you’re ready to harvest compost. Finished compost will be dark, crumbly, and earthy-smelling.

Question: Can I use deep litter compost in my garden?

Answer: Yes, once fully composted. Properly broken-down bedding and manure make an excellent soil conditioner. Avoid using unfinished compost directly on plants.

Question: What are common mistakes to avoid?

Answer: Common mistakes include:

• Starting with too little bedding
• Allowing bedding to stay wet
• Poor ventilation
• Using dusty or low-absorbency bedding

Question: Is the deep litter method beginner-friendly?

Answer: Yes. Many beginners – and busy chicken owners! - find it easier than frequent full clean-outs. With proper bedding, ventilation, and light maintenance, it saves time while improving coop cleanliness.