how often do i need to clean??

[cafarmgirl]

I have a few coops. I've had 20 birds in my 8'x10' coop and give it a daily pick up under the roosts every morning after I let the birds out. I use pine shavings also. If I were to leave these shavings in there, adding more up until cleaning once a year, it would be a dusty environment with mites. I do a cleaning once every three months, removing all old shavings from floor and nests, shop vac the whole coop, spray Oxine disinfectant, let dry, then spray a good coat of Gardstar or Ravap over roosts, nests, walls, floor, cracks, and crevices. After it dries and new shavings are added, the birds are allowed back in the coop. Since I started this program years ago, I never have mite or louse infestations or coughing birds.

I do almost exactly the same thing with excellent results. Never have had bugs.

 

[thasista]

I agree with the deep litter method. It is working for me!

 

[Thespoiledchicken]

Read this thread for some great ideas to help keep your coop clean

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/621363/poop-board-convert-warning-graphic-gross-poop-pictures

 

[Angel16]

I have a few coops. I've had 20 birds in my 8'x10' coop and give it a daily pick up under the roosts every morning after I let the birds out. I use pine shavings also. If I were to leave these shavings in there, adding more up until cleaning once a year, it would be a dusty environment with mites. I do a cleaning once every three months, removing all old shavings from floor and nests, shop vac the whole coop, spray Oxine disinfectant, let dry, then spray a good coat of Gardstar or Ravap over roosts, nests, walls, floor, cracks, and crevices. After it dries and new shavings are added, the birds are allowed back in the coop. Since I started this program years ago, I never have mite or louse infestations or coughing birds.

I have a 8'x10' coop as well it was a shed but now i have made it to be a chicken coop. would the 8'x10' coop be okay for 18 to 20 chickens if i wasn't free ranging?

 

[Angel16]

Read this thread for some great ideas to help keep your coop clean

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/621363/poop-board-convert-warning-graphic-gross-poop-pictures

thanks!

 

[cafarmgirl]

I have a 8'x10' coop as well it was a shed but now i have made it to be a chicken coop. would the 8'x10' coop be okay for 18 to 20 chickens if i wasn't free ranging?

Yes assuming they will have an attached run as well.

 

[Angel16]

also if anyone has advice for a beginner that would be great! especially if you have tips on how to keep weasels and rodents out!

 

[Angel16]

Yes assuming they will have an attached run as well.

Yes. it will be small right now, witch should be okay cause we're only getting 10 chickens at the moment, hopefully more later. would that be okay for them?

 

[cafarmgirl]

I keep weasels and rodents out by having a super tight coop. Any and all openings are covered with hardware cloth and doors fit tight, no gaps anywhere.

 

[cafarmgirl]

Yes. it will be small right now, witch should be okay cause we're only getting 10 chickens at the moment, hopefully more later. would that be okay for them?

The 8x10 coop will be more then ok for 10 birds to start with. What size will your run be? That is where they are going to want to spend most of their time.