Q&A for How to Clean a Chicken Coop

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Are there any other methods to clean a dropping board?

Sue Ferreri
Executive Director of Rockland Farm Alliance
Sue Ferreri is the Executive Director of the Rockland Farm Alliance in Rockland County, New York. The Rockland Farm Alliance is a non-profit broad-based coalition of farmers, community activists, local officials, and interested citizens with a simple mission to preserve, create, and enhance sustainable food production in Rockland County. Sue grew up farming and now helps farmers get organically certified and supports them in creating their businesses. She studied Business Management at Millersville University and Community Development and Viticulture at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

Sue Ferreri

Executive Director of Rockland Farm Alliance

Expert Answer

You can put sand on your dropping boards and use a shovel that almost looks like a cat litter shovel and has holes in it. Using sand is also more effective; it's cleaner, and it takes away the flies much easier.

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Question

I heard not to remove the droppings from the coops because it's an insulator for the cold weather. Is this true?

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

Chickens still require their coop to be cleaned during winter. The droppings will not add to anything beneficial. The coop must be cleaned more regularly during winter, as the chickens will be spending more time inside and thus more droppings will be produced.

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Question

In a 12 by 12 run can I use a bedding of leaves?

Community Answer

Yes but most chickens need sawdust or wood shavings. Chickens can get sick if you put the wrong kind of leaf in.

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Question

How do I cleanse/decontaminate the soil if the floor is mad of dirt, not concrete?

Community Answer

Just simply scooping out the soil and replacing it is easy. Also consider putting down chicken-safe bedding or hay, which the poop sticks to, making clean-up easier.

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Question

Is it safe to use straw on dirt inside the coop?

Makayla Miles

Community Answer

Yes, that is fine. You can also pine shavings. However, never cedar shavings, which can cause respiratory issues.

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Question

How do I easily get delicate chicks out of their cage?

Makayla Miles

Community Answer

Approach the chick from behind. Scoop it with your hands. Slowly pull the chick into your body.

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