To clean the dropping boards,put some disposable gloves on and scrape the droppings off with a taping knife. You can scrape each board directly into your compose pile, or scrape them all off into a small pail, then dump the pail on your compost pile. If you see poop on the roosts, scrape them clean with your taping knife, too.
You should remove any noticeably dirty bedding every morning.
To keep your nesting boxes clean, make sure they are located at a height which is lower than your roosts. Otherwise, your chickens will roost (and poop) in the nesting boxes. For the same reason, do not position the nesting boxes directly below roosts.
If you have time, you can take advantage of the opportunity you have to get your chickens out of their cages. If you have a partner, you could ask them to clean the chickens while you continue to work on the coop.
Check the ceiling for cobwebs at this point, too. Use your broom to remove any you see.
The water will help soften up any manure or dirt that is strongly attached to the floor. Go back over these areas with a paint scraper in order to remove them. Allow the water to drain somewhat. If you have a coop which drains poorly, mop up the rest of the water.
Allow the coop to dry by opening all the doors and windows. If the coop cleaner is not draining out properly, use a mop to absorb excess liquid.
You could sprinkle the DE with a small spoon by scooping some up and then shaking your hand back and forth over the floor, allowing a bit to spill over the edge of the spoon with each shake. Alternately, you could use a duster to apply the DE. A duster sprays the DE out when squeezed, and is useful for getting it deep in the cracks and crevices of your coop. Ensure you use food grade DE. Do not inhale the DE. It can cause inflammation of the lungs.
If you detect any foul stink, especially one reeking of ammonia, your coop needs a serious cleaning. Always err on the side of cleanliness when deciding whether or not your coop needs to be cleaned. Some coops can be cleaned as few as three times a year, while others call for cleaning every two weeks. [9] X Research source [10] X Research source When you get a new flock, clean your coop out before housing them within.
Disposable gloves are readily available at most gardening or housing supply stores. Using disposable gloves help reduce the risk of spreading bacteria as gloves are thrown away after use. If gloves become punctured during use, put a new pair on to avoid spreading bacteria. Wash your hands with soap after exiting the chicken coop and removing your gloves.
Ear loop masks of the variety worn by doctors tend to be the most comfortable, and effectively cover both mouth and nose. Prevent dust buildup by providing adequate ventilation for your chicken coop.
If you mix bleach and ammonia (a primary component of chicken feces), you can create toxic fumes, and irritate the lungs and eyes.
Fill the jar with vinegar and stop when it is 1/4 inch from the top. Let the jar sit for three to four weeks, shaking three times every other day. When the vinegar smell has mostly been replaced with a minty-lavender scent, strain the leaves and vanilla bean out and pour the mix into a spray bottle. An even more basic recipe calls for an equal mix of water and white vinegar. [15] X Research source
