How to Clean a Chicken Coop

If you have chickens, it's very important to maintain a clean and tidy chicken coop. A dirty coop can lead to disease, stress and rodent infestation. A chicken coop only requires a thorough clean 2-4 times each year. It is sufficient to change the bedding material on the floor and in nesting boxes once a month to prevent any ammonia build up. The monthly cleaning will also make the quarterly thorough coop cleaning easier.

Step 1 – Get Kitted Up

Always wear suitable clothing. Waterproof gloves and some eye protection can also be useful. If you don't wear any gloves, make sure you don't come into direct contact with any soiled bedding, or other fluids. Always make sure that the area is well ventilated and that the chickens have been moved to a safe, secure area before beginning.

Step 2 – Remove all Bedding Material

Clear out all of the bedding and nesting material just as you would each month. Use the sweeping brush to make sure all of the old material is removed. You can use the poultry manure to fertilize your garden or add it to the compost heap. At the same time remove any food and water dispensers from the coop. Once the area has been cleared you can begin scrubbing.

Step 3 – Scrub the Chicken Coop

Mix a cleaning solution of 1 part bleach and 1 part antibacterial dish washing detergent with 10 parts water. The overall amount required will vary depending on the size of your coop. Using the scrubbing brush, thoroughly clean all of the surfaces inside the coop – not just the walls and floor but also the ceiling and any nesting or roosting areas.

After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the area with clean water until there is no residue left. If there is electricity within the coop, be careful with the water. Once the area has completely dried, you can replace the bedding materials. In the summer, you can spread a thinner layer of bedding on the floor to be used as insulation.

Step 4 – Clean Feeder

Scrub the food and water dispensers thoroughly with the same solution you used in the coop. A smaller, plastic scrubbing brush will make this job easier. While you clean keep an eye out for any cracks or damage that may cause leaks or attract rodents. Rinse all of the cleaning solution off and make sure that the items are completely dried before refilling them and replacing them in the coop.

The whole job shouldn't take longer than a few hours and will be easier if you're up to date with the monthly cleaning schedule. It's easier to do a little preventative scrubbing, than to deal with an outbreak of disease in your flock.