How do I clean my brooder when it starts to get smelly?

[ChickForLife]

My brooder is starting to get smelly after about a week and a half of having chicks. Will I have to lean it every 2 weeks or do I even have to clean it? Also, how would I clean it. Thank you in advance!!!

 

[Mamatomany123]

I cleaned it daily. They only poop in there. I'm actually suprised you got that long.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I cleaned mine every day too.

I took my chicks out and scooped all the used shavings then put new.....it's not so hard to do.

 

[ChickForLife]

OMG, really? I thought you were just supposed to layer them!!! When I clean it (tomorrow morning) where do I keep the chicks?

 

[GC-Raptor]

I use a smaller cardboard box with shavings to put chicks into and cover with the screen I use over the brooder. GC

 

[ChickForLife]

Okay, that sounds good, thank you!!!

 

[21hens-incharge]

OMG, really? I thought you were just supposed to layer them!!! When I clean it (tomorrow morning) where do I keep the chicks?

I used a cardboard box or tote to put mine in. Cleaning it out takes just 10 minutes tops.

 

[Mamatomany123]

OMG, really? I thought you were just supposed to layer them!!! When I clean it (tomorrow morning) where do I keep the chicks?

You can do deep litter method once they are in the coop because theyll be poopping outside some. But in the brooder I cleaned it everyday.

 

[LizzzyJo]

Oh yes, brooder cleaning is a daily chore. You might get away with every other day. The splashed water and poo make for very sick chickies if you leave it longer. Not to mention the noxious smell on their tiny baby lungs.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I clean every other day, unless water is spilled. So far it hasn't.

Pix of my 9 day olds. GC