Last Updated on June 8, 2024 by Veronica Sparks
Raising animals is a rewarding endeavor on its own, and raising backyard chickens has the added benefit of supplying you with regular farm fresh eggs. It isn’t always an easy life, though. Maintaining a clean chicken coop is not just a matter of cleanliness — it’s essential for the health and happiness of your poultry. We’re going to walk you through how to clean a chicken coop in seven easy steps so your flock can be safe from diseases and pests.
We’ll also share some tips and hacks for keeping your clean for longer, ensuring your hens have a hygienic, safe, and comfortable home!
How to Clean a Chicken Coop: 7 Steps
Cleaning a backyard chicken coop can seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the task less overwhelming. Each step ensures thorough cleanliness and prepares the coop for a fresh start. Let’s dive into the process.
Step 1: Pull Everything Out
Begin by removing all contents that are not fixed in place. This includes removable roosts, nesting boxes, toys, feeders, and waterers. Clearing these items out gives you unimpeded access to every nook and cranny of the coop, making the cleaning process more thorough.
Step 2: Sweep and Scrape Out Soiled Bedding and Debris
Using a pooper scooper set, a push broom, or a long garden hoe, sweep out all the soiled bedding, droppings, and debris. This step is crucial for removing the bulk of the waste and dirt from the coop floor and surfaces. The tools help reach under roosts and into corners, ensuring a comprehensive clean.
Step 3: Hose Out With Soap and Water
After the dry waste is removed, it’s time to hose down the coop. Use a mild, chicken-safe soap to help dissolve stuck droppings and other stubborn residues. A high-pressure nozzle can be effective in removing muck from surfaces. Ensure that the soap is non-toxic and safe for use around chickens.
Step 4: Dry the Coop
Properly drying the coop is essential to prevent mold and mildew. You can speed up the drying process by using absorbent towels, leaving doors open for ventilation, and if necessary, employing a fan. Make sure the coop is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Step 5: Clean All Removable Features
Each removable item—nesting boxes, roosts, toys, feeders, and waterers—should be cleaned separately. This can be done using the same soap and water used for the coop, along with a scrub brush to reach all the crevices. These items must be thoroughly dried before being returned to the coop.
Step 6: Add Bedding and Bedding Enhancers
Once the coop and all its components are clean and dry, add fresh bedding. The best chicken coop bedding material for your hen home can vary. You can choose from straw, wood shavings, sand, or other materials depending on your preference and the coop design.
Additionally, consider using bedding enhancers like sweet pdz or diatomaceous earth to help control moisture and odors.
Step 7: Put Everything Back
Finally, replace all the clean and dry items back into the coop. Arrange everything neatly to maximize space and ensure ease of access for both you and your chickens.
Related Article: How to Keep Chickens Cool on the Hottest Days This Summer
How Often Should You Clean Your Chicken Coop?
The frequency of cleaning your chicken coop depends on the size of the coop, the number of chickens, and the local climate conditions. Generally, a deep clean should be done at least once every season, with more frequent spot cleans done weekly or monthly.
How to Keep a Chicken Coop Clean: 7 Tips
1. Protect Your Coop’s Floor
Consider installing inexpensive sheet vinyl flooring beneath the bedding. This layer protects the underlying materials from moisture and makes cleaning easier by allowing you to simply wipe away messes.
2. Install Droppings Boards
Droppings boards placed beneath roosting areas can simplify daily clean-up by centralizing the majority of the waste, making it easier to remove.
3. Choose the Right Bedding Material
Selecting the right bedding material can greatly affect the cleanliness of your coop. Wood shavings, straw, and sand are popular choices, each with their own benefits for absorbency and ease of cleaning.
4. Use Bedding Enhancers
Adding materials like sweet pdz and diatomaceous earth beneath your bedding can significantly improve moisture control and odor management, enhancing the overall cleanliness of the coop.
5. Install Removable Roosts and Nesting Boxes
Having removable features allows for more thorough cleaning. This accessibility makes it easier to maintain a hygienic environment for your chickens.
6. Cover the Coop’s Interior Walls
Using recyclable and organic materials to cover the interior walls of your coop can simplify wall cleaning. Simply replace the coverings when they become soiled.
7. Keep Water and Feed Out of the Coop
Keeping feeding and watering areas separate from the coop helps to reduce mess and contamination inside the living quarters, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Related Article: How to Make a DIY Chicken Waterer: 3 Simple Methods
Keep Your Flock Happy and Healthy With a Clean Coop!
Regularly cleaning and maintaining a chicken coop ensures a safe, healthy, and pleasant living space for your chickens. By following the detailed steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can effectively maintain a clean coop that promotes the well-being of your feathered friends. Remember, a clean coop leads to happier hens and better egg production. Start incorporating these practices today for a thriving chicken community tomorrow!