How to properly clean a used coop?

[minou33]

We have a coop built into our barn. Chickens have not been in the coop for the last 5 year since we've owned the house, but the owners before us did have chickens living in there. Can diseases still be transmitted and how would we effectively clean out the coop to prevent this?

 

[Ridgerunner]

After five years I'd knock down the cobwebs, dust the walls and stuff, and sweep it out. If you must (remember to protect your lungs) spray it with a weak bleach-water solution and let it set and air out before you enter or put any chickens in there.

 

[JoeInPA]

Bleach at 10:1 with water kills everything. Be sure to rinse well. Do you have a pressure washer?

 

[rosemarythyme]

After 5 years? I'd just use a broom and sweep out any debris and call it a day.

 

[minou33]

Bleach at 10:1 with water kills everything. Be sure to rinse well. Do you have a pressure washer?

No pressure washer but that's a good idea! I can rent one.

 

[aart]

I would not use a pressure washer...wet = organism growth.
Bleach solution may kill some but would probably be oxidized and gone before it kills everything it can...(which is not everything).

Just.....

I'd just use a broom and sweep out any debris and call it a day.

 

[JoeInPA]

Aart has far more experience than I do, so I'd listen to him. I was always under the impression that bleach would kill all bacteria and viruses. Is that incorrect?

 

[KiwiandPeachthePigeons]

I think it would, but the water mixed in would make things moist, creating mold and things.

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

After five years I don't think any diseases would stick around. Maybe use some vinegar or a natural cleaning spray?

 

[KiwiandPeachthePigeons]

Is the coop painted or stained? Either way I’d redo it. That is if it’s wood.