Inheirited coop

[Jenandnaomi]

We just moved to a new house with an existing chicken coop. Is there any specific maintenance or cleaning I should do before purchasing a new flock?

 

[crtrlovr]

If you have access to a pressure washer, I'd use that and wash the whole thing, (including roosts, nest boxes, feeders, waterers, etc.) then spray it with diluted bleach solution, THEN spray it with Poultry Protector or something to kill any mites or critters that you don't want around. Let everything dry well, add fresh dry shavings, and voila! Ready for habitation!

 

[TigerLilly]

Check for holes that predators might be able to get into, make sure you have the basic supplies (feed, water/feed bowls, etc) and have at it!

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

if its a walk in coop... dont hose it down. i did and i flooded the place.. plus it smells twice as bad.. just sweep it.. scrape any poop.. add shavings and clean roosts and feeders.. bam! ur ready

 

[TigerLilly]

I would still at least spray it with diluted bleach to kill whatever may be hiding in the crevices...

 

[Lbrad7]

Quote:
X2! Although if it hasn't been occupied in awhile I doubt there would be anything to worry about. Still better safe than sorry!

Good luck to you and welcome to the insane addiction!

 

[welasharon]

oh, and go ahead and start planning the expansion....no way to avoid it....it's hopeless...

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I shake DE everywhere once a week or so, so I want to add that to what the others said!!

 

[mcostas]

Iheartchicks<3

:

if its a walk in coop... dont hose it down. i did and i flooded the place.. plus it smells twice as bad.. just sweep it.. scrape any poop.. add shavings and clean roosts and feeders.. bam! ur ready

Try blowing it dry with a leaf blower. I do that sometimes with these kinds of things.​