How to Keep the Chicken Coop Clean?

Are you looking for ways to keep the chicken coop clean?

I only clean my coop 2 times a year! Yep! I do! And you can too with the deep litter method.

keep the chicken coop clean

Cleaning the Chicken Coop While Pregnant

I would use extreme caution if you have to clean the coop while pregnant. I personally wouldn’t risk it because chickens can carry some serious germs. According to the CDC, people can get salmonella when they come into contact with live chickens. Children under 5 or those with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk.

How to Clean a Wooden Chicken Coop

First, cover your nose! You don’t want to inhale what you are about to clean out. Lol

Next, scrap everything out! When I clean the coop out in the spring I pile it up to rest until fall or place in a composter. In the fall, I put everything on my garden as fertilizer over the winter months. In spring, my soil is more nutrient dense in my “back to eden” gardening method.

I use a natural mixture of vinegar and water, 50/50 with a few drops of Lemon essential oil. Spray the coop and wipe down. Another option is Onguard Concentrated Cleaner (ask me how you can get this at a discount). Mix 2 tbsp of concentrate cleaner per 24 oz. of water. I use this cleaner for almost everything around the homestead. It’s plant based, no preservatives, and contains a blend of Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary Essential Oil. Each 24 oz bottle costs about $1.77. You can’t beat that price anywhere for a high quality and safe cleaner. This is safe enough for children to use, safe around pets and no gloves are needed.

Finally, place your new bedding. I like to use a layer of sand and peat moss. Some people think peat moss is too dusty but I’ve had less trouble from it than straw. Wood shavings need cleaned too often. My favorite is peat moss (amazon links) because its safe if they eat it, it keeps down the smell, and it can be turned easily to keep the coop cleaner. I only have to deep clean twice a year.