Keeping Your Chicken Run Clean: How Often?

Keeping your chicken run clean is important for the health and happiness of your chickens. Chicken poop can draw flies, harbour bacteria, and cause a strong smell. It can also cause a build-up of ammonia, which can cause a range of health issues for your chickens, including itching eyes and respiratory illness. The chicken run should be cleaned regularly, with some sources recommending a deep clean once or twice a year, and others suggesting a weekly clean. The frequency of cleaning will depend on various factors, including the weather, the size of the run, and how 'free-range' your chickens are.

How to clean a chicken run

Chicken runs should be cleaned at least once a week to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria and keep chickens healthy and comfortable. It is important to remove chicken poop, which can draw flies and cause an unpleasant smell. Chicken runs should also be cleaned to prevent the spread of diseases such as bird flu, which can be transmitted between birds and remain in contaminated material for up to 50 days.

There are several methods for cleaning a chicken run, depending on the type of bedding used. One popular method is the deep litter method, which involves using a moisture-absorbent bedding such as wood shavings or hay to collect droppings, making them easy to scoop up. Some people prefer to use sand in their chicken runs, which can be raked or scooped with a cat litter scoop to remove droppings. Others use a combination of bedding and sand, raking or scooping droppings from the sand and periodically replacing the bedding.

When cleaning a chicken run, it is important to wear protective equipment such as gloves, a mask, and goggles. All dirt, droppings, and feathers should be removed from the run, and the area should be sprayed down or scrubbed with a safe disinfectant. Standing water should be swept away, and the area should be left to air dry.

In addition to regular cleaning, it is important to conduct a deep clean of the chicken run at least once a year to ensure that it remains a healthy and comfortable environment for the chickens. This involves removing all debris and waste, scrubbing all surfaces, and hosing down the walls, floor, and any nesting boxes or feed stores.

How often to clean a chicken run

Keeping your chicken run clean is essential to maintaining the health and happiness of your chickens. Chicken droppings can cause a build-up of ammonia, which can cause respiratory issues and eye irritation in your flock. Additionally, droppings can attract flies and harbour harmful bacteria, potentially leading to disease.

The frequency of cleaning depends on various factors, such as the size of your run, the number of chickens, and the substrate used. It is recommended to clean the run at least once a week, paying particular attention to removing droppings and refreshing bedding. This simple step can significantly reduce harmful bacteria and maintain a healthy environment for your chickens.

Deep litter methods, using materials like pine shavings, sand, or hardwood chips, can help manage droppings by allowing microbes and bugs to break down the waste. This method typically requires cleaning only once or twice a year, although some choose to refresh the litter by adding a new layer on top. However, in warm weather or during winter when chickens spend more time indoors, you may need to clean more frequently to prevent odours and the build-up of waste.

To ensure the well-being of your chickens, it is crucial to be vigilant and clean the run whenever necessary. Regular cleaning helps prevent the spread of diseases, such as bird flu, which can be transmitted by migrating waterfowl and can be fatal to your flock.

Chicken run cleaning supplies

The chicken run should be cleaned at least once a week to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria. Here is a list of supplies that will help you effectively clean your chicken run:

Protective Gear

• Gloves: Rubber gloves are essential to protect your hands from dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants.
• Mask: Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust, feathers, and other particles during cleaning.
• Goggles: Goggles will protect your eyes from any debris or cleaning solutions.
• Clothing: It is advisable to wear dedicated cleaning clothes or overalls to protect your regular clothing.

Cleaning Tools

• Rake or Shovel: Use a rake or a shovel to collect chicken droppings and soiled bedding. An adjustable leaf rake is particularly useful for collecting droppings.
• Broom: A broom helps sweep away dirt, debris, and droppings. A dampened broom can also be used to sweep the floor.
• Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow is handy for collecting and transporting soiled bedding and waste to your compost pile.
• Hose: A hose with a spray nozzle is useful for rinsing and disinfecting the chicken run.
• Pressure Washer: A pressure washer can be used for a more thorough cleaning, especially for hard-to-reach areas.
• Scrub Brushes: Scrub brushes are needed for scrubbing surfaces, feeders, waterers, and nesting boxes.
• Bottlebush: A bottlebrush is ideal for cleaning water dishes and removing any accumulated slime, algae, or scum.

Cleaning Solutions

• Disinfectant: Use a safe disinfectant to sanitise the chicken run and eliminate harmful bacteria. Poultry Shield is an effective disinfectant that also kills red mites.
• Anti-bacterial Spray: An anti-bacterial spray can be used to sanitise surfaces and nesting boxes.
• White Vinegar: Diluted white vinegar is a natural, non-toxic cleaning solution that removes bacteria and scrubs away dirt.
• Coop Recuperate: Coop Recuperate is a natural coop refresher containing organic eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oil, along with diatomaceous earth to reduce odour, moisture, and improve compost quality.

Bedding and Substrate

• Wood Shavings: Wood shavings, especially pine shavings, are moisture-absorbent, easy to dispose of, and have natural disinfectant properties.
• Hardwood Chips: Hardwood chippings are more expensive but wash off well and can be replaced less frequently.
• Sand: Sand can be used to cover the ground, making it easier to scoop up droppings with a cat litter scoop. However, sand can be hot in the summer and contains silica, which can be harmful to chickens' airways.
• Pine Shavings or Bark Chippings: These can be used as an alternative ground covering to retain grass in the chicken run.

Remember to always have a dedicated set of cleaning equipment specifically for your chicken run to prevent the spread of contaminants. Regular cleaning of the chicken run is essential to maintain a healthy and comfortable environment for your chickens.

Chicken run cleaning frequency

Chicken coops and runs should be cleaned regularly to ensure the chickens remain healthy and happy. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the weather, the substrate used, and the setup, such as the size of the run and how free-range the chickens are.

Daily Cleaning

Each night, remove any leftover food or water to prevent pest infestations and maintain hygiene.

Weekly Cleaning

Once a week, the chicken run should be cleaned to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. This includes raking or scooping up droppings and laying down fresh bedding. If the run starts to smell of ammonia before a week is up, it's time to clean it.

Monthly Cleaning

Some sources recommend conducting a deep clean of the chicken coop once or twice a month. This involves removing all feeders, waterers, nesting boxes, and other items, as well as all the bedding, and scrubbing down all surfaces with a safe disinfectant.

Seasonal Cleaning

Some chicken owners recommend cleaning the chicken coop and run twice a year, usually in the spring and autumn. This includes scrubbing out the chicken house, removing all bedding, and scraping up droppings.

Importance of cleaning chicken runs

Chicken runs should be cleaned regularly to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases. Chicken poop can draw flies and harbour harmful bacteria, and it can also cause a strong odour, especially during hot weather. The virus that causes Avian Influenza can survive in contaminated material for up to 50 days, so it is critical to keep chicken runs clean and safe.

Chicken runs should be cleaned at least once a week to remove any build-up of droppings, food, feathers, and debris. A deep litter method can be used, where fresh litter is added on top of the old, and the droppings are buried and broken down by microbes and bugs. However, this method should be combined with regular scooping of droppings to prevent the accumulation of chicken poop, which can cause an odour and attract flies.

The frequency of cleaning may vary depending on the weather, the size of the run, and the number of chickens. In warm weather, droppings can dry out and be raked up or scooped more easily, but they can also decompose faster and cause a stronger odour. In cold weather, chickens may spend more time inside, so the coop may require more frequent cleaning. A smaller run with a higher density of chickens will also need to be cleaned more often.

In addition to regular cleaning, it is important to conduct a deep clean of the chicken run at least once or twice a year. This involves removing all bedding, feeders, waterers, and other accessories, and thoroughly scrubbing and disinfecting all surfaces. Deep cleaning helps to get rid of parasites such as red mites and ensures a fresh and comfortable environment for the chickens.

Overall, the importance of cleaning chicken runs cannot be overstated. It is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of the chickens, preventing the spread of diseases, and providing a clean and comfortable living environment. By following a regular cleaning routine and conducting periodic deep cleans, chicken owners can ensure the happiness and longevity of their flock.

Frequently asked questions