When do I clean out the coop completely?

[BarredBuff]

With my flock, I do two big cleanings. After winter and the end of summer. I usually add bedding every week or two....

 

[SC_Hugh]

I plan to cut out a "poop" door out the back of Section #3, so when it comes time to clean that section out, I can rake it out the back door into my wheel barrow.

Right now, my coop has a dutch door (man door) and a pop door for the chickies.

--Hugh

 

[cboriskin]

It would be difficult for me to section it off as my coop is only 4X4 and there is a door cut out. So, it's even less space. I think I will go with the nose method and plan to clean it twice a year unless it's smells badly. Thanks for all your suggestions.

 

[Patricia Jane]

Sounds like your doing a great job. I thoroughly clean my coop twice a year. Fall and Spring. I use poop boards and clean them daily. You don't have to use poop boards if you use deep liter but I like them. I feel it helps my situation better. I also use DE. I fluff shavings in coop and add some every week. Have never had any smell.
I live in CA where it doesn't snow and my chickens are out all year long so they are truly only in the coop to roost at night or lay eggs during the day. They do however come in if I'm in there making sure I'm not doing something I shouldn't be doing. They are very nosey. Enjoy and have fun.

 

[cboriskin]

Thanks, Patricia. Where are you in CA? I am in Sacramento. So, you leave the coop open all year around? Last night was the first time I left the heating lamp off. It's been low 30's in the morning. At 6AM, my husband felt bad for them and turned the heat lamp back on. But, I turned it off after an hour. I understand they would be better without it. They are 12 weeks old. My other ones are 7 weeks old and I am planning to put them out this weekend. Do you think it's okay?