Coop cleaning tools and supplies

[gabz44]

Hi
If I'm putting sand and straw in my coop and run- what are the best cleaning supplies ?
Do you recommend a certain rake? Something for sifting through sand? Certain gloves etc any other things I need- first time chicken owner.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Most important tool is a dust mask.
Otherwise it depends on the number of chickens, stocking density and bedding. If only a few chickens and using sand, something to sift the sand as in kitty litter scoop. If you're using straw in the run, like I do, I don't clean it. I just muck it all out occasionally and put down fresh straw. Again, technique and frequency will depend on stocking density.
Cleaning the coop will be less frequent if you use a poop board under the roost.
As for tools, square shovel, wide and narrow putty knives/scrapers, dustpan, gloves and dust masks.

 

[gabz44]

Thank you @ChickenCanoe so helpful!!! What's a poop board ??

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It is a board under the roost that you can take out to scrape into the compost pile. Most of the feces in the coop happens at night.

 

[aart]

I use a roost(poop) board and pine shavings on floor of coop.
Sift poops off board every other day and change out all shavings once a year.
Both go to compost.

Here's my roost board setup and gear.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...raphic-gross-poop-pictures/1100#post_13179595
Lots of other good ideas in that thread.

ETA: I don't use any 'cleaning' products or even water to 'clean' the coop.
Keeping things dry is the key to a healthy coop.

 

[Hokum Coco]

Hi

If I'm putting sand and straw in my coop and run- what are the best cleaning supplies ?
Do you recommend a certain rake? Something for sifting through sand? Certain gloves etc any other things I need- first time chicken owner.

Nest boxes
In my nest boxes I fold a feed bag to fit (nest boxes are 1 ft³). When a bag gets soiled; fold a new one; pop out the soiled; pop in the new. Feed bags are a nylon mesh bag.
Frozen poop just peels off in below freezing temperatures and just flakes off in summer when left out in the sun to bake and dry.

I have 65 trips around the sun it is the best method I have stumbled upon.

Make sure the twine is removed from the open end of the bag it can get tangled around your birds.






Best DIY feeder I have encountered.
Click on the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJv

Poop boards should be located higher than your nest boxes an preferably the highest spot for roosting through the night.
I have my 2x4 roost 3½ inches from my poop board.

I find the spacing ideal it saves the day when eggs are laid through the night while they are roosting.

I have my roost in cups and can just put them to one side when cleaning the board.

In my nest boxes I fold a feed bag to fit (nest boxes are 1 ft³). When a bag gets soiled; fold a new one; pop out the soiled; pop in the new.

Easy peasy!.

Chicken coop is salvaged 4x8 metal shed.







My roost over my poop boards is very similar to this photo (except my roost are resting on the lower 2x4).
I recently friction fit a piece of vinyl flooring over my poop board.it makes clean up even easier; Pop out; Scrap; Hose; Pop in during summer months ..

Winter months even easier flex over compost bin DONE!

Easy peasy