Cleaning The Coop!

[katiescoop]

Hi there, I just recently built my coop and got some hens and I've been cleaning the coop every day to keep the smell from getting bad and to prevent a lot of build up, but do you think it's necessary? I'll be going on a trip soon for about a week and I need to decide if I'm going to hire someone to clean it or just let it sit and clean it up when I get back. I have sand floors and wood shavings in the upper level where they usually sleep. How often do you clean your coops? Any advice?

 

[fowlmouthgirls]

Every 2-3 days. Pine shavings only in the coop, 6 chickens. So far no smell.

 

[Scrambled8]

I clean mine every week when i give them bath's, but the bottom of it is chicken wire so the poop just falls to the floor

 

[Messipaw]

Try using food grade DE. It controls the smell.

 

[katiescoop]

Thank you all so much!

 

[Demosthine]

I never clean the coop, but I am using the deep litter method. It is working great so far and there is never a smell. I just keep adding dry leaves, pine shavings or whatever other "brown" matter that is handy about once a month. They love scratching through it all, too.

 

[happyclucker]

Hi I have started getting smell from the run area,hens have scratched the ground bare-what should I do pile leaves,shavings,or what in there??Coops fine I clean it pretty often so its the run that stinks.

 

[ShellLea]

Hi I have started getting smell from the run area,hens have scratched the ground bare-what should I do pile leaves,shavings,or what in there??Coops fine I clean it pretty often so its the run that stinks.

I throw everything I get from weeding the flower beds in the run. That is a lot considering its from two homes with large, previously neglected flower beds. We also toss in clumps of dirt and leaves, plus seed to keep them scratching. About every two weeks rake it out, put it all in the compost, and start over.

*I don't know why I wrote that in the present tense. We haven't used a run in quite some time. I think I need more coffee, lol!

 

[happyclucker]

well I will have to start doing that, I am gonna start letting the girls out once in awhile too.TFS