The Importance of a Clean and Dry Chicken Coop: A Guide for Backyard Chicken Keepers

Maintaining a clean and dry chicken coop is crucial for raising healthy backyard chickens. In this post, we will explore the significance of proper bedding and nesting materials as well as how to perform an effective "spring clean" to ensure your hens thrive in a clean and hygienic environment.

The Importance of Proper Bedding and Nesting Materials

Selecting the right bedding and nesting materials is essential for the health and comfort of your chickens. Here's why:

a) Absorbency: Chickens produce a significant amount of manure. The moisture in the manure needs to be absorbed effectively for it to rapidly break down into compost.

b) Non-toxicity: Chickens are sensitive to chemicals so it's crucial to use non-toxic materials that won't harm them by being absorbed through their feet or from their pecking behaviour

c) Mould and bacteria resistance: The bedding should resist mould and bacterial growth to maintain a healthy environment

d) Compostability: Some bedding materials compost while others do not. Creating compost relies on a good balance of nitrogen (chook manure), carbon-rich materials, oxygen and moisture (chook manure)

Best Bedding Options for Chicken Coops

1. Hemp: With superior absorbency and natural antimicrobial properties, hemp is an ideal bedding material and carbon source. Hemp is 100% organic and highly sustainable, sequestering a huge amount of carbon dioxide in its short, 90-day growth from seed to harvestable plant.
2. Wood Shavings: Absorbent and a source of carbon, wood shavings are an economical choice that works well in large, completely dry areas of the chicken coop and run. They must be untreated to avoid harmful chemicals and have been through a dust-extraction process.
3. Straw: While less absorbent than wood shavings or hemp, straw can work better in exposed chicken runs that are prone to dampness. This means that they won’t be very effective with absorbing the moisture contained in the chicken manure but they will provide some degree of ground cover for hens to scratch around in.
4. Sand: Suitable for a chicken run area, sand provides a dry surface for scratching and drains well. However, it isn’t a carbon source like the previous three options so chicken manure will only be covered rather than composted. This can mean a fair amount of extra work in raking the sand to collect the manure and disposing of it in the compost bin by, ironically, mixing it with a carbon source.

Nesting Box Materials

For nesting boxes, consider softer materials that encourage laying, protect eggs and reduce the risks of eggs becoming contaminated:

1. Hemp: Provides a comfortable nesting environment with the bonus of antibacterial properties. It is a great choice for nest boxes where we want to keep eggs as clean as possible.
2. Wood shavings: Offers good cushioning and absorbency but no antibacterial properties. It is also less absorbent than hemp.
3. Hay: Softer than straw and creates a “bird-like” nest. It provides good insulation in colder climates. It is not good in damp or humid environments as it is prone to going mouldy. It doesn't have any antibacterial properties and is less absorbent of moisture than hemp or shavings. 
4. Straw: Stiff, sharp and tubular in nature so provides a good hiding place for parasitic insects and can cause abrasions and minor injuries to hens. No antibacterial properties and manure takes much longer to compost due to the poor absorbency of straw.
5. Shredded paper: An eco-friendly option that's soft but far too absorbent. This means that it rapidly absorbs moisture and becomes sodden, producing smell and ending any composting process. Any inks in the paper can potentially be toxic to chickens as well.

Implementing the Deep Litter Method

The deep litter method is an effective way to maintain a clean and dry coop while reducing the frequency of major cleanings. Here's how to implement it:

a) Initial setup: Start with a 10 -15 cm layer of bedding material

b) Regular maintenance: Add fresh bedding as needed, typically every few months 

c) Turn the litter: Your flock will do this job with great proficiency, enabling oxygen to access all materials. If your flock is outside the coop throughout the day, you may need to use a rake to turn the litter regularly, mixing in their manure and encouraging decomposition.

d) Monitor moisture levels: Ensure the litter remains fairly dry at all times by adding fresh material or removing damp spots as necessary

While the deep litter method reduces the need for frequent, thorough cleaning of the chicken coop, an annual or bi-annual "spring clean" is still essential. Here's how to do it effectively:

a) Timing: Schedule your deep clean for spring and autumn when the weather is mild

b) Preparation:

1. Remove chickens from the coop
2. Wear PPC (gloves, mask and old clothes)
3. Gather cleaning supplies (brush, scraper, bucket, natural disinfectant etc)

c) Clean-out process:

1. Remove all bedding and nesting materials
2. Scrape off any caked-on manure
3. Sweep/brush out any loose debris
4. Wash the entire coop with a mixture of warm water and natural disinfectant (e.g., white vinegar or eco-friendly soap)
5. Pay special attention to corners, cracks, crevices, perches and nesting boxes. If you discover the existence of insects such as red mites - taking great care, apply steam or boiling water where you see them.
6. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
7. Allow the coop to dry completely in the sun, if possible
8. Spray a natural insecticide such as Wipe Out Mites into nooks, cracks and crevices

d) Maintenance and repairs:

1. Check for any damage or wear and tear to the structure of the coop and run
2. Repair any holes or cracks in the coop or damaged mesh
3. Inspect and tighten loose fittings and fixtures

e) Refresh the coop:

1. Apply a thin layer of Bugs Away or diatomaceous earth to deter parasites
2. Add fresh bedding and nesting materials
3. Clean and sanitise feeders and drinkers

Tips for Ongoing Coop Maintenance

To keep your chicken coop clean and dry between deep cleans:

1. Remove droppings regularly from areas where they are prone to building up such as underneath perches
2. Top up bedding materials as needed and use a deeper layer of bedding underneath the perching area where the top, soiled layer will be removed regularly
3. Ensure proper ventilation to reduce moisture and ammonia buildup
4. Clean and drinkers feeders regularly
5. Regularly inspect for signs of pests, mould or disease

Maintaining a clean and dry chicken coop is essential for the health and well-being of your backyard flock. By choosing the right bedding and nesting materials, implementing the deep litter method and performing regular "spring cleans," you'll create a hygienic and comfortable environment for your chickens. Remember, a clean coop not only benefits your flock but also protects you from potential health risks associated with dirty coops. With these practices in place, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a thriving and happy flock of backyard chickens.