Sorry newbie question - Do you clear out your run each time it rains to avoid coccidiosis?

Chickcorn

In the Brooder
Aug 19, 2018
11
5
13
Channel Islands, U.K
Hi, i’m completely new to keeping chickens and wanted to ask for some friendly advice and any tips you might have for a newbie!

I’ve just received 4 very cute 12 week old lavender Pekin bantams. They have a coop with a run attached. Hopefully when they’re bigger and older they’ll be able to free range a bit more.

This week it’s been raining and the straw in their run has become damp. Should I clear this all out and replace it with dry straw to reduce the risk of coccidiosis? Should I also scrub the floor (it’s concrete)?

I was freaking out last nite when I read that the coccidiosis bacteria can grow in damp conditions? I’ve been cleaning their house daily as well as picking up poop in the run.
 
I usually scrub concrete surfaces from time to time and like to put down fresh straw when it gets wet. Coccidia does need moisture to continue its life cycle. However, no amount of cleaning out will eliminate coccidia because it is in the soil. And, at 12 weeks of age, they likely have been exposed enough to be sufficiently resistant.
 
Welcome! Straw and rain are not a good mix, because it will be a soggy moldy mess that's difficult to fork out. Having a covered run is a lot nicer if possible, especially if you are in snow country.
Shavings and other plant material makes a better litter than straw, in my experience.
Coccidia are one celled protozal parasite, not bacteria. They are present in the soil, and after a mild exposure, chickens develop immunity and aren't likely to get sick. That's why amprolium in chick starter helps.
Hosing off your concrete occasionally is a good idea, but don't get crazy about super sanitation with your small home flock. You can't really 'sterilize' things out there, so reasonably clean is fine.
Mary
 
This week it’s been raining and the straw in their run has become damp. Should I clear this all out and replace it with dry straw to reduce the risk of coccidiosis? Should I also scrub the floor (it’s concrete)?
Is run all concrete?
Does it drain well?
Is it in shade or sun?
You'll have to monitor and assess what's going on out there and react accordingly.
You could get molding...or not.
Long term and ongoing manure management defintely needs to be addressed.

Oh, and, Welcome to BYC!!
Where in this world are you located?
Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, then it's always there!
upload_2018-8-19_10-12-10.png
 
Welcome! Straw and rain are not a good mix, because it will be a soggy moldy mess that's difficult to fork out. Having a covered run is a lot nicer if possible, especially if you are in snow country.
Shavings and other plant material makes a better litter than straw, in my experience.
Coccidia are one celled protozal parasite, not bacteria. They are present in the soil, and after a mild exposure, chickens develop immunity and aren't likely to get sick. That's why amprolium in chick starter helps.
Hosing off your concrete occasionally is a good idea, but don't get crazy about super sanitation with your small home flock. You can't really 'sterilize' things out there, so reasonably clean is fine.
Mary

Thank you Mary and my apologies for not replying sooner.

I’ve now swapped over to hemp bedding and trying to cover the run when it rains (although it’s on a slope so it will get some run off rain water).

It’s quite daunting being a newbie and being responsible for these fluffkins as my daughter calls them. I feel like a mother all over again
 
Is run all concrete?
Does it drain well?
Is it in shade or sun?
You'll have to monitor and assess what's going on out there and react accordingly.
You could get molding...or not.
Long term and ongoing manure management defintely needs to be addressed.

Oh, and, Welcome to BYC!!
Where in this world are you located?
Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, then it's always there!
View attachment 1509507

Thanks a lot for replying. I’ve now swapped to hemp bedding. It seems to be working better thankfully. The straw really impacted when wet and was quick to go a bit wiffy!! I’m slowly learning and we’re going to make some changes to the coop set up before Autumn / winter.

Thanks for the tips for updating my profile - will have a look at doing that for sure.
 

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