Cleaned out filthy coop, still dusty and dried chicken poo- what next?

[SKJESuS]

I'd like to wash down the inside of the coop. Someone told me bleach would react with the ammonia (urine) and cause that nasty poisonous chemical reaction. However, I've seen diluted bleach as an option for cleaning the coop.

Our coop appears to be insulated, has a wood floor, wooden nest, etc. so I don't think hosing it or pressure washing it out would be a good idea???? I believe it sat empty for several years and we just removed 6-12" of dry, composted litter, their is dried pooh on the walls and roosts and I'd like to hear what you recommend we do next.

Thank you

 

[dangerouschicken]

There are natural cleaners on the market, if you don't mind a little extra scrubbing. I don't use bleach on anything and so far, no sick birds, etc. You just have to use your muscle.

Well, unless you are slightly allergic to work

 

[BayCityBabe]

I'd use a pressure washer; yes, I would. You have done the hard work, already. Just give it a quick blast and have a partner to broom out the water. As for cleaning solvents; I wouldn't use a thing. I'd let it air out and it'll be as good as can be.
Out with the old (poo), in with the new!

 

[chicken_angler]

I cleaned out a old coop too. It had 6 bales of straw in it and lots of junk in the run. All we did was put down a new floor because of tyhe condition of the old one. Good luck- Chickenman8

 

[LynneP]

Um, if it's an old coop, expect a little rot here and there, you may need repairs. You'll want a paint scraper too! There are animal disinfectants specifically for poultry operations at local feed stores, but getting it wet will mean a longer prep time.

If you steam-blast it, be sure to dress for the occasion. I think I'd avoid water and scrape it down, treat generously with DE and shavings and perhaps rebuild the next boxes. You might have crevices that could make it difficult to eliminate lice/ticks later on. Also, after getting the dry matter out, check for chewed wood and other predator access holes...it's probably worth the effort, but it's a lot of work!

 

[d.k]

* You could add a little baking soda to your water, like a tablespoon to a couple gallons. It will help soften the dried poo by acting as a wetting agent. Good for just about anything that is 'caked on'. Spray the dried cakey spots heavily first and let it set a while. At least, several minutes. THEN, scrub with a stiff bristle broom or brush or scrap with a good sized scraper.

 

[cajunlizz]

STEAM CLEAN that whole COOP with HOT water and baking soda .
Hot water will certainly loosen the poop and baking soda can and will kill smell and any bacteria .

HAVE DOORS , WINDOWS ETC. open and once finished SWEEP out the remainder of the water and LET it totally air dry . Then replace floors , ETC. of any damaged rotted areas.

 

[DawnSuiter]

I currently use vinegar & water to clean just about everything from Floor to ceiling in my home. I just pour the vinegar into my sprayer about 3 seconds per pour... so maybe a couple of ounces and fill with hot water. I do this on a large scale with buckets & scrub brushes at the animal shelter... wipe behind with a warm damp cloth with clean water. I have learned it's the new clean smell and vanishes almost instantly... and if you want to add a couple of drops of any essential oils you have on hand to the rinse water, you will also help to treat any wood you are washing and leave behind a lasting lovely smell.

 

[ravenfeathers]

Quote:
i use almost nothing but vinegar and baking soda in my own home, so i think this is great advice, but i would avoid using EOs in an agricultural setting. the wood will retain them and they could be irritating to the birds or have unintended homeopathic consequences.