Coop Cleaning

[Hayleylashea]

This is a little embarassing to ask, but I'm a new chicken farmer! I'm ready to do a thorough coop cleaning, but not quite sure what all it should entail. As I understand lots of people really get in there and scrub and wash every crevice. I'm curious about the best method to "wash" my wooden coop with. I'm afraid if I wash it down with soap and water that it wont dry everywhere and might rot. Is this a bad idea? What can I use to really get rid of the germs? Maybe I'm making it over complicated. Thanks!

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Power washer will do the trick.

 

[SueT]

I just sweep mine out. I always use a lot of shavings, and the wood is clean beneath. Unless you've had a disease in the flock, a sweep out should be fine....

 

[chicks are life]

X2

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

Whether it needs it or not, I clean out my coop once a week. I change out the bedding and sweep the floor. An ounce of prevention and all that.

I use a 6inch layer of straw, which is currently thick enough to keep the flooring underneath clean. I anticipate doubling that in the winter when they'll spend less time outside. I am going to put down a floating floor so if it gets really bad, I can just replace it.

 

[coopdeville15]

What is this "coop cleaning" you speak of? I use the deep litter method. At most I help turn the litter with a hoe every once in a while, when adding additional litter material. I remove most of the litter, but not all, once or twice a year and add it to the compost pile.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!
No question is silly if you need to know the answer!

I'm afraid if I wash it down with soap and water that it wont dry everywhere and might rot. Is this a bad idea?

YES! I think it's a very bad idea to 'wash' a coop with any water or liquid let alone deluging it with a power washer or a garden hose. Wetness is a perfect breeding ground for many organisms and can also promote the rotting of wood. Dry, dry, dry is what most of us strive for.

What can I use to really get rid of the germs? Maybe I'm making it over complicated. Thanks!

Have your birds been sick with germs that need to eliminated? Or do you just have the heebie jeebies about germs in general? As long as you keep things dry and wash your hands thoroughly after working with the birds or in the coop, you'll be fine.