10 Tips for Safely Cleaning Your Chicken Coop

Cleaning your chicken coop is one of the most important parts of good poultry care. A clean coop means happier, healthier hens, better egg quality, and far fewer problems with mites, lice, flies and respiratory issues. But coop cleaning also needs to be done safely – for your sake as well as your flock’s.

Here are 10 practical tips for safely and effectively cleaning your chicken coop.

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1. Wear protective clothing and gear

Coop cleaning can be dusty and messy, and chicken droppings can carry bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. Before you start:

• Wear old clothes with long sleeves and trousers
• Use rubber gloves
• Consider a dust mask (especially in dry, dusty weather)
• Wear closed-toe shoes or wellies – never sandals!

It’s a good idea to have a dedicated “coop cleaning outfit” you keep separate from your everyday clothes.

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2. Use chicken-safe cleaning products

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or disinfectants containing ammonia – these can irritate your chickens’ lungs and linger in the environment. Instead, use:

• White vinegar (natural disinfectant)
• Citrus-based cleaners
• Specialist poultry-safe products (available from feed stores)

You can also make your own natural cleaner by mixing 1 part vinegar to 1 part water with a splash of lemon juice or essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree (but only in very diluted amounts).

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3. Remove your chickens first

Always take your hens out of the coop before you start cleaning. Put them in a secure run, temporary enclosure, or let them free-range in a fenced area.

This keeps them away from dust, debris and cleaning fumes – and gives you room to work.

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4. Remove all bedding and manure

Take out all soiled bedding and scrape up droppings from floors, perches and nest boxes. Use a shovel or scraper and wear gloves.

Dispose of it properly:

• Hot composting is ideal, but poultry manure needs at least 6 months to break down safely
• Never use fresh chicken manure directly on plants – it’s too strong and can carry pathogens

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5. Use a pressure sprayer or hose (carefully)

A garden pressure sprayer or hose with a strong setting works well for washing away dirt and droppings. Use it after you’ve cleared out the bedding to blast off any stuck-on muck.

Avoid soaking the wood too much, especially in older coops – excessive moisture can lead to rot or mould.

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6. Scrub problem areas thoroughly

Use a stiff brush, scraper or old sponge to scrub down:

• Perches and roosts
• Nest boxes
• Corners and crevices where mites might hide
• Door frames and hinges

Apply your cleaning solution liberally and get into all the nooks and crannies.

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7. Rinse well with clean water

After scrubbing, rinse every surface thoroughly – especially where your birds roost or nest. Residual cleaner, even natural ones, can cause irritation or taint eggs if not rinsed away.

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8. Let the coop dry completely

Before putting down fresh bedding or letting your hens back in, allow the coop to dry completely. This helps prevent mould and bacteria growth, and makes the bedding last longer.

Drying can take a few hours on a warm day – speed it up by leaving the coop open and well ventilated.

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9. Add clean, fresh bedding

Once the coop is bone dry, add new bedding to the floor and nest boxes. Suitable options include:

• Dust-extracted wood shavings (never sawdust)
• Straw
• Hemp bedding
• Shredded cardboard (for eco-conscious keepers)

Avoid materials that hold too much moisture or create excessive dust.

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10. Clean little and often

Regular light cleaning makes deep cleans much easier. Try to:

• Remove droppings and wet bedding daily or every few days
• Top up bedding weekly
• Do a full deep clean every 4–6 weeks, or more often in summer

Keeping on top of hygiene not only protects your flock, but also saves you time and effort in the long run.

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Final thoughts on cleaning your chicken coop

A clean coop is essential for a healthy, stress-free flock – and for your own peace of mind. By following these tips, you can clean safely and efficiently without putting your birds or yourself at risk.

Happy hens start with a clean home – and a little effort goes a long way.