How to Keep Your Chicken Coop Clean

Sand -

The BEST bedding to use in a chicken coop is sand.  You can easily sift through it to clean and you will only need have to remove the sand and replace it once or twice a year.  You may have to take a shovel or straw fork to it every month to avoid it getting compact and to help any wet sand dry.

The Routine

Once a Week -

Using a shavings fork (for horses) with small square shaped wire wrapped around it, remove all of the droppings.  Then you will take a mite killer and spray the entire coop.  Remove shavings from the laying boxes, spray with mite killer the add fresh shavings.

Once a Month -

Follow the above and add these steps.  Use a straw fork to break up the sand so it doesn't get compact.  Spray the walls, nesting boxes and perches with an animal-friendly disinfected.  Leave doors open to help to dry everything while the chickens are free ranging.

Once a Year -

Full clean out time!  Remove all sand and shavings.  Then you will power wash the entire coop, spray with disinfectant then leave to dry.  Once dry spray again with disinfectant and mite killer.  Add new sand and clean shavings.

*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets