Same coop, new flock

[snogs]

I have a flock of chickens that I got about 2.5 years ago, and in the spring we're going to dispatch them to the soup pot and start a new flock. The new flock will be going in the same coop and run as the old flock. We've used the deep litter method with great success - no odors in the coop and no issues in the New England winters. I'm curious to know what I need to do between flocks in terms of coop cleaning to prepare it for the new chickens.

I live in a city where we have a 6 hen limit. I currently have 7 hens left of my original 13 (3 roosters, 3 deaths). I'm keeping 2 of my current hens (silkies named Chuck and Tinky) and ordering 11 chicks. My neighbors are used to me having chickens and as long as there is no gap between flocks I doubt anyone will count them. I plan to keep my current hens until the new ones are ready to go outside.

Aside from removing all of the litter and basic cleaning is there anything else I need to be concerned about before putting my new hens in the old hen's quarters?

 

[donrae]

I wouldn't. I don't believe in disinfecting unless there is evidence of disease, and you don't mention any. I firmly believe the bacteria the current hens will leave will strengthen the new flock's immune systems.

 

[snogs]

That's an interesting point. The chickens I have currently seem quite healthy, and I do enjoy doing less work. Thanks for the input.

 

[donrae]

I'm all about less work!