Keeping chickens is fun and rewarding, especially when you get fresh eggs daily. But let’s face it: chicken coops can get messy. Droppings, feathers, spilled feed, and damp bedding can quickly turn a cozy coop into a less-than-pleasant environment. Regular cleaning isn’t an option; it’s essential for your chickens’ health, egg quality, and overall comfort.
The good news? Cleaning your chicken coop doesn’t have to be a huge chore. With the right approach, a little preparation, and some simple steps, it can be fast, easy, and even satisfying. In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean your chicken coop the easy way, step by step.
1. Gather Your Chicken Coop Cleaning Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need to clean. Having all your tools on hand saves time and prevents multiple trips back and forth. Here’s what I recommend:
- Broom and dustpan: To sweep up loose bedding, feathers, and dirt.
- Gloves and a mask: Droppings and dust can carry bacteria, so protect yourself. For me, this is a must since I like to keep my fingernails clean, and my hands cannot withstand a lot of soap.
- Bucket and/or hose with water: For cleaning and rinsing surfaces.
- Brush and scraper or putty knife: For scraping off stuck-on droppings and dirt, and brushing with hot water and soap.
- Soap or Special Chicken Coop Cleaner: Perfect for scrubbing perches, floors, walls, and nesting boxes. Use a gentle, non-toxic soap to remove dirt and droppings without harming your chickens (in case residue is left behind).
- Mild disinfectant or vinegar solution: To sanitize without harming your chickens.
- Fresh bedding: Straw, hemp, or wood shavings, depending on what your flock prefers.
Optional tools include a wheelbarrow or garden shovel for hauling away bedding, and a coop cleaning kit if you want a dedicated set of tools. If you want to clean like a pro, or don’t like cleaning, a high-pressure washer (my personal favorite is this Kärcher high-pressure-washer) and cordless drill brush attachments are a must-buy! I got these tools as a Christmas present from my husband, and I am still thanking him today. With these tools ready, your cleaning session will be smoother and quicker. However, keep in mind that a high-pressure washer might damage the coating or paint of a wooden coop, depending on the quality. For easy cleaning, plastic chicken coops are the preferred choice.
Tip: I use a second set of drill brush attachments to remove the limescale in my shower and bathroom, and have a third set on stock. I never thought I’d be this excited about a cordless drill.
2. Remove the Chickens Safely
Cleaning is much easier when your chickens are out of the coop. You don’t want to stress them, so move them safely to a secure pen or a separate part of the run. Make sure they still have access to water and a little food while the coop is being cleaned.
Keeping chickens occupied during cleaning also prevents accidents. They’re naturally curious and may get underfoot if left in the coop.
3. Remove Old Bedding and Debris
Start by removing all the old bedding, feathers, and droppings. Use a scraper or shovel to loosen any caked-on material, and a dustpan or wheelbarrow to collect it.
Old bedding can be composted, which is a fantastic way to reuse it in your garden. Just make sure it’s composted properly. Removing this layer of dirt and moisture is key; it prevents mold growth and makes the next steps much more effective.
4. Clean, Scrub, and Rinse Surfaces
Now it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty. Scrub all surfaces inside the coop with hot water and soap, or a special non-toxic coop cleaner; perches, nesting boxes, walls, floors, and corners. Pay special attention to the feeders and drinkers, since they are often the main source of infection.
A little scrubbing can go a long way, especially in corners and along edges where droppings tend to accumulate. After scrubbing, rinse the surfaces thoroughly with water to make sure no residue remains that could irritate your chickens.
5. Dry the Coop
After cleaning and rinsing, drying is essential! Moisture left in the coop can lead to mold and bacteria growth, which is unhealthy for your flock. Use a towel to wipe down areas if needed, or let the coop and accessories air dry in the sun for a few hours.
Also, drying is necessary before disinfection. Disinfection agents are much more effective when applied to dry surfaces.
6. Deep Disinfection and Drying
For a seasonal deep clean or after your flock has been ill, it’s a good idea to disinfect the coop thoroughly. Apply a safe coop disinfectant to all surfaces, and make sure everything is covered. You can use a mild coop disinfectant or a vinegar solution to remove bacteria and reduce odors. After disinfecting, allow the surfaces to dry completely before adding fresh bedding.
A deep clean of the coop is optional and doesn’t need to be done weekly or even monthly. It’s ideal for deep cleans every few months or whenever extra hygiene is needed. However, disinfecting the feeders and waterers weekly is a must in my opinion! Especially in summer. Deep disinfection can significantly reduce the risk of disease and parasite infestations, keeping your chickens healthier over the long term.
7. Add Fresh Bedding
Once your coop is clean and dry, it’s time to add fresh bedding. The right bedding keeps chickens comfortable, absorbs moisture, and makes cleaning easier in the future.
- Depth: Aim for 3-4 inches of bedding, enough to provide insulation and absorb droppings.
- Materials: Straw, hemp, or wood shavings, are all good choices. Some hobbyists mix materials for better absorption and comfort. My personal favorite is hemp for the coop, because it’s incredibly absorbent, naturally antibacterial, and reduces ammonia very well. For the nesting boxes, I advise straw on top of the normal bedding.
- Nesting boxes: Ensure they have a soft layer of bedding, covered with straw, to protect eggs and keep your hens happy.
Fresh bedding not only makes the coop pleasant for chickens but also makes your next cleaning session easier.
8. Clean Accessories and Feeders
Don’t forget about waterers, feeders, nesting boxes, and toys. Follow the same steps as mentioned before to clean them. Check for mold, rust, or damage, and replace any items that are unsafe. Take extra care of the feeders and waterers.
Clean accessories help prevent illness and keep your flock hydrated and well-fed. Rotating and cleaning these items regularly is part of an easy coop cleaning routine that keeps your chickens healthy.
9. Return Your Chickens
Once everything is clean, dry, and comfortable, it’s time to let the chickens back into their home. Watch them for a few minutes to make sure they’re comfortable and happy. A clean coop can make your chickens more active, healthier, and even happier to lay eggs.
10. Maintenance Tips for Easy Cleaning
Regular, light maintenance makes the big cleaning sessions much easier. Here are a few tips:
- Weekly spot cleaning: Remove droppings from perches, sweep the floor, and replace soiled bedding.
- Liners and droppings trays: Using trays or liners under perches makes removing waste fast and easy.
- Rotate bedding: Move old bedding to one side and add fresh material to keep the coop dry and clean.
- Clean feeders and waterers regularly: This prevents bacterial growth and keeps your flock healthy.
With just a few minutes each week, you can prevent the coop from becoming overwhelming and keep your chickens in top condition.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your chicken coop doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. By following these easy steps, you can maintain a clean, healthy, and comfortable environment for your flock. Gather your supplies, remove your chickens safely, clear out old bedding, scrub and rinse, dry thoroughly, disinfect, add fresh bedding, clean accessories, and return your flock.
A little effort each week, and a deeper clean now and then, keeps your chickens happy, healthy, and laying fresh eggs. With a simple routine, coop cleaning can become a quick, stress-free part of your chicken-keeping hobby.
Remember, a clean coop is a happy coop!
