Moldy coop

[NBPdaisy]

Hi! I'm very new to chicken keeping. We found a really old chicken coop after we bought our property. It hasn't been used well over 10 years but still structurally sound. Needs a bit of tlc. While cleaning out the straw, I noticed a strong musty/moldy smell. It was really dusty too.
Please advise what I should do to thoroughly clean it out before it's safe to put chickens in there.
Also, should I use straw or pine shavings for nests and floors.
Thank you.

 

[chicklover 1998]

Welcome to BYC I would douse the whole thing in vinegar, and scrub it good, and try to figure out how to add more ventilation, and if possible add a window or two that can be opened, the vinegar will kill the mold, ventilation will get rid of the moisture which is helping the mold to grow, and the windows will let more light in which will kill any mold trying to grow back. To make cleaning easier in the future you can also put linoleum on the floor, for the nests and floor pine shavings work the best for deep bedding method or just in general plus they absorb ammonia smells, straw/ hay works good but can sometimes harbor bugs, and they won't always be ones that the chickens like, but if you plan on composting the straw/hay breaks down way faster.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

Maybe if you could post some close ups inside the coop, we could offer more suggestions. I'm sure other posters know of stronger products to use. I know mold will grow back even after using straight bleach.

 

[N F C]

You've already received some great ideas on how to clean up your coop. You might want to ask for more help on the coop & run forum:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance

Good luck, once you get past the clean up work you can get your birds...that's something to look forward to!

 

[NBPdaisy]

Hi! So excited! Our silkie laid her first 2 eggs this morning! Is that normal for a first timer to lay 2? Also, can they be eaten? I've heard it's best not to eat the first eggs but have forgotten the reason for it.
Is there any info to learn how to post pics?
Thank you much!

 

[liz9910]