Dusty coop

[irlybird]

We’ve had the chickens a year now and this past month I’ve noticed how dusty the coop has gotten when I clean it (weekly) because it’s so hot out. It takes me less than 15 minutes and I’ve never worn a mask in that time but lately I find I have a dry irritated cough for a day or so after cleaning. Do you wear a mask when you clean the coop? If so which one.

I figure it can’t be good long term to have this irritation if I can prevent it and now of all times I don’t want a cough (everyone on covid alert).

I hope I haven’t done any damage to my airways in the time (I’d think it’s more like an allergy).

Thanks for your help!

 

[3KillerBs]

Yes, chickens, like all birds, are very dusty animals -- between the bedding, the feed, and the dander from their feathers.

I've personally never worn a mask while cleaning the coop, but wouldn't rule it out. What kind of ventilation does your coop have? If it's marginal some of the irritation could be from the trapped ammonia rather than the dust?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I wear a particle mask. I have a few N95 masks still in my box but am saving those for when I need to see my doctor.

In the very least one should wear a fabric mask.

 

[irlybird]

Yes, chickens, like all birds, are very dusty animals -- between the bedding, the feed, and the dander from their feathers.

I've personally never worn a mask while cleaning the coop, but wouldn't rule it out. What kind of ventilation does your coop have? If it's marginal some of the irritation could be from the trapped ammonia rather than the dust?

Our ventilations fairly good (all along roof line and two smaller windows plus the coop door . The smell is minimal. Under our roosts we put fine sand and I use a cat litter scoop to get all the droppings so it takes only a few passes with that (shaking out the sand) to stir up dust. I don’t have the problem in cooler months as the sand isn’t dry like it is now.

This cough the past 3 weeks has lasted less than 24hrs but always when I clean the coop. Today seems worse but it’s so hot and dry here.

Could be a combo of all particles and ammonia like you said.

I’ll use a mask going forward, especially in the warmer months. I can’t imagine it’s damaging to our systems if our airways don’t respond but alas this is clearly causing response.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Our ventilations fairly good (all along roof line and two smaller windows plus the coop door . The smell is minimal. Under our roosts we put fine sand and I use a cat litter scoop to get all the droppings so it takes only a few passes with that (shaking out the sand) to stir up dust. I don’t have the problem in cooler months as the sand isn’t dry like it is now.

This cough the past 3 weeks has lasted less than 24hrs but always when I clean the coop. Today seems worse but it’s so hot and dry here.

Could be a combo of all particles and ammonia like you said.

I’ll use a mask going forward, especially in the warmer months. I can’t imagine it’s damaging to our systems if our airways don’t respond but alas this is clearly causing response.

Take a look at histoplasmosis common name chicken keepers lung.

Better to take a simple precaution.

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

What type of bedding are you using? When I used straw bedding, my eyes get itchy, my nose runs, and my throat gets Phlegm-y. It wasn't as bad when I wore a mask. I've since switched to shavings, and it's way better with only my eye getting itchy.

 

[Folly's place]

It's safest to always wear a mask, and it should be either a N95 or a respirator, when cleaning the coop, or handling a group of chickens at one time, if you are treating them for mites, for example.
Histoplasmosis is no joke, and neither are asthma attacks!
Playing with fire over time will get you in trouble...
Mary

 

[rosemarythyme]

Obviously might be difficult to get N95 masks right now (I have a couple left, for coop cleaning) so do the best you can right now. Even a folded bandana is better than nothing. I don't have any respiratory problems but now is certainly not a time that you'd want to develop any, so better to be safe than sorry when cleaning the coop.

 

[irlybird]

Thanks everyone. My parents had an n95 mask left from some renovations so I got that. I’ve never had allergies (in my 30s) but even noticed the dust/pollens (our spot is near a logging road so very dusty) out huckleberry picking created a irritating cough. I will for sure mask up going forward. Clearly my tolerance for particles has become much less.

 

[Folly's place]

As we get more mature sadly our lungs, and everything else, also gets more mature.
Mary