Do I have to Spring Clean

[Attila the Hen]

Hi. I have an 8X10 wire enclosure with a large roosting/nesting box inside for nightime. I clean this daily by raking out the droppings and disinfect the roosting pole and nesting boxes periodically. I use the deep litter method in the enclosure and it stays clean because the chickens spend little time in there since they free range. However, they were in there several weeks over winter with the snow.
My question is do I need to remove all the material in the enclosure annually even though it doesn't seem soiled? It is a bare dirt floor and I have removed portions after a big rain.
thanks

 

[CH1CKENGUY]

If there is no build up or problems with gases flowing, then it is personal preference. I would personally clean it out every year even if it doesn't "need" it.

 

[Judy]

My coop is dirt floor and it gets raked out 3 or 4 times a year -- because the litter is wanted for the garden or compost.