Because we built our coop on the larger side and allow our birds to free-range, my maintenance schedule is very reasonable and easy to incorporate into our lives. Note that chickens are animals, and no coop will be clean all the time, but keeping a coop clean and free of moisture is vital to your flock’s health. Chickens poo where they roost, so keep this in mind when building a coop/placing roosting bars.

Everyone’s cleaning schedule looks a bit different based on their flock’s needs, but below I have outlined what works for us:

Daily:

My chickens have an auto door that opens and closes on a timer to allow them to free-range during daylight hours.

Remove eggs

Check Water in run

Fill feeders in run

Monthly:

Add a new layer of shavings to the coop (or as needed). Replace any nesting pads that are spent.

Scrub any poo-covered “touch” surfaces- now that I have added a ceiling to prevent my hens from roosting in the rafters, poo should stay out of the storage or contact spaces.

Add in dried herbs to freshen the coop. Or apply a coop spray.

Sprinkle First Saturday Lime and/or diatomaceous earth on surfaces to prevent unwanted buggies.

Bi-Annual:

I completely remove the shavings, leaving behind a small amount of the old so any existing good bacteria stay incorporated.

Add a new layer of mulch in the run

Annual:

Deep clean the coop with a pressure washer to remove any unwanted substances from walls, spray with a white vinegar/dish soap spray then scrub, rinse, and allow to completely dry.

Sprinkle First Saturday Lime and Diatomaceous Earth on surfaces

Apply a thick layer of new shavings

Replace nesting pads.

Remove mulch from run (I place it in my in-ground beds) and lay a new, thick layer of mulch.

I find this schedule pretty easy to follow, and adapt as I see fit for the health of my flock-but I hope this helps give an insight into what to expect when owning chickens!

Talk soon,

xx, Lanna