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
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