How to Keep a Chicken Coop Clean: A Complete Guide

Are you wondering how to keep a chicken coop clean? Maybe you just don’t have the time to keep up with it, you’re not even sure how to effectively clean the space, or you’re just trying to find the best solution. This complete guide is going to give you the full rundown!

A clean chicken coop is important for ensuring your flock is happy and healthy. And, for keeping the space smelling good. Some people try to go about creating a self-cleaning coop, but there’s no need for that (unless you prefer it!) with these 4 bedding and litter methods. We’ll also share a few simple steps for spring cleaning your coop and answer some common coop cleaning questions!

4 Methods to Help Keep a Clean Chicken Coop

1. Deep Litter Method
2. Tarp Method
3. Hay or Straw
4. Dropping Boards

Continue reading to learn about each method. No matter which one you choose, it’s always a great idea to add an odor absorbent below the bedding.

Deep Litter Method

Many chicken keepers favor the deep litter method because it’s straightforward and saves a lot of time. This method for keeping a clean chicken coop is exactly what it sounds like. You’ll layer bedding material so that it’s thick and allows for litter to build up and compost within the bedding. And, because it’s a thick layer of bedding for your flock, it also helps your chickens stay warm in colder temperatures

If you’re worried about this not being sanitary or creating a lingering bad smell, here’s what you’ll do to avoid that:

1. Sprinkle your odor absorbent on your clean chicken coop floor.
2. Add about 5 inches, give or take, of bedding of your choice.
3. Mix the litter up every few weeks.
4. Sprinkle a little more litter over the top to keep the bedding odor-free and dry.

Tarp Method

This one also makes it very easy to keep a clean chicken coop but may not be as warm, which is okay if you don’t live in a cold place. Place a tarp over a clean chicken coop floor and top with your odor absorbent and the bedding of your choice. When it’s time for a refresh, fold the tarp up and get rid of the litter. Disinfect the tarp before adding new bedding.

Hay or Straw

It’s common to simply lay hay or straw on a chicken coop floor. The question of which one is better comes up a lot. At the end of the day, it really depends on your personal preference. Let’s check out the pros and cons of each.

Material	Pros	Cons
Hay	Eco-friendly, warm, dust-free	Pricey
Straw	Affordable, warm	Gets damp quicker, can smell

Once you choose your material, you can place your odor absorbent on the coop floor. Then, place the bedding on top. When it’s time clean the coop, remove the chickens and rake the old bedding out, then replace. While cleaning the chicken run floor, wipe the area with a disinfectant or use a homemade vinegar and water cleaning solution. 

Dropping Boards

Dropping boards are a plastic or wooden tray that sits under your chickens’ roost. This is a great way to keep the coop clean since a lot of chicken droppings are found in the roost. You’ll need to measure your coop to determine what size your dropping boards need to be. You can also build a coop with a dropping pan underneath. 

To clean up, simply remove the dropping board, get rid of the waste, and disinfect it. Doing this results in less waste building up in the coop and minimizes how often it needs to be cleaned.

How to Clean a Chicken Coop: Spring Cleaning

Once you know what your chicken’s coop floor and bedding will consist of, you want to make sure you keep it tidy and sanitized. If you use one of the methods above, regular cleaning shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. But, it’s always a good idea to do a good spring cleaning.

A deep clean allows you to maintain a clean chicken coop, but it can also prevent illnesses. This can take up to a couple of hours, so get your favorite cleaning music ready! Here’s how to keep a chicken coop clean with spring cleaning.

• Remove your flock and all bedding from the coop. Also, take small items out like feeders and waterers.
• Sweep or blow dust loose debris and dust from all areas of the coop.
• Scrape any dried droppings from roosts, floor, etc.
• Use a hose or sprayer to wet all surfaces and get rid of any leftover debris.
• Disinfect all surfaces.
• Rinse off items to ensure all residue is cleaned off.
• Be sure to clean feeders and waterers, too.
• Let items air out to fully dry and get rid of the vinegar smell.
• Move everything back into the coop and refresh the bedding before your chickens return to their fresh, clean coop.

FAQ

Do you still have a few questions about how to keep a chicken coop clean? Let’s make sure you’ve got all the answers you’re looking for!

How often do chicken coops need to be cleaned?

Depending on which bedding method you go with from above, this will vary. The deeper the bedding, the less it needs to be cleaned. You want to be sure the space isn’t covered with droppings and there’s not a strong odor so clean it often enough to prevent this. 

As far as a deep spring cleaning goes, it’s best to do this once or twice a year. If you see excess dirt and dust and built-up droppings, it’s time for a deep clean!

What is the best way to keep a chicken coop clean?

Use a bedding and litter method that works best for you and your flock. If you don’t have a lot of time to maintain a clean chicken coop, the deep litter method is the way to go. And, a very good deep cleaning is key for keeping the coop clean, too.

How do you neutralize the smell of chicken poop?

Many chicken keepers use agricultural lime to neutralize the smell. You can also use a natural odor absorbent. Sprinkle it below bedding and areas around the coop that are prone to getting damp because moisture makes the smell worse.

How do I keep my chicken coop water clean?

Refresh water often! Keep in mind that while you don’t need to clean the coop everyday, you should replace water daily. You can also clean the waterer every week or so to keep it fresh and free of any harmful residue or mold.

Final Thoughts

Although cleaning isn’t the most fun task, it always feels nice when it’s done. Choosing a method that works well for you makes it a whole lot easier to keep up with. And, your chickens will thank you!

Oh, and you know what makes cleaning a little more fun – treating yourself to a special chicken gift!