How to Make a Litter Tray for Chickens

The majority of manure build-up in a chicken barn is beneath the roosting bar. Clean-up is more effective if the roost droppings fall onto a tray filled with litter. This keeps the chickens from walking in the manure, lessens odors and reduces cleaning time in the barn. Manure on the litter tray is easy to remove with a litter box scooper before adding to the compost pile.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Saw
  • Plywood
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Shelving trusses (optional)
  • Unscented, clay kitty litter or sawdust
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length of the roost with a measuring tape. Cut the plywood for the bottom of the tray, making it the same length as the roost. The tray should extend about 3 inches from the back of the largest chickens while they are on the roost.

    • 2

      Cut strips of wood to serve as the lip of the tray. Screw each strip into the tray's base. Be sure the corners are tight to prevent litter from trapping or falling out.

    • 3

      Set the tray underneath the roosting area. Screw the finished tray into the wall. Use shelving trusses if necessary and if the birds are heavy breeds. Chickens will jump and walk on the tray.

    • 4

      Add unscented clay kitty litter or sawdust to the tray for absorption. Manure will stick and bond to an unbedded tray making it impossible to remove, and encouraging flies and odors.