Coop cleanliness,temp and boxes and floor

[Drew Allen]

Hi we have some layers and I want to know how often do people clean there coops. Also what is a good tempature to ensure good laying production? And what do most people use to cushion the boxes? What kind of ground cover do you use or recommend I have some pine straw but it does not work very well. We also have a dirt floor and it seems to get rock hard from the chicken manure mixing with it.

 

[JInSouthMS]

i put hay in my nest boxes and the hens just take it out. do the boxes need a cusion?

 

[LynneP]

I've put together some thoughts on coop hygiene here, Drew:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=7693-Coop_Hygiene

Generally, birds react to light for egg production rather than heat- 14 hours a day is a good target.

I like shavings as bedding and in nest boxes, I agree with you about clumping and you want manure removal to be easy, and the bedding to be treatable with a good stall product. Your birds will scratch and aerate the bedding better, too.