How to Clean Your OverEZ Chicken Coop

Keeping your OverEZ Chicken Coop clean is crucial for the health and happiness of your backyard chickens. Keeping your coop clean ensures a thriving environment for your flock, leading to healthier chickens and a more productive laying cycle.

Regular Maintenance is Key

Start with a routine schedule for cleaning your coop. A clean coop helps prevent diseases, controls pests, and keeps your hens stress-free. Incorporate the cleaning essentials into your regular chicken supplies shopping list. This includes bedding material, disinfectants, and tools like a coop-specific broom and dustpan.

Cleaning Your OverEZ Chicken Coop

1. Daily Checks: Remove soiled bedding and droppings from nesting boxes and the main coop area. Ensure the water and food containers are clean and free of waste to prevent contamination and the spread of disease.

2. Weekly Clean: Once a week, change out the bedding material in the coop. Straw or sand work well as bedding materials due to their absorbent properties and ease of cleaning. Use a coop rake or shovel to remove the old bedding, and add a fresh layer.

3. Quarterly Deep Clean:

   • Empty the Coop: Start by removing everything from the coop – chickens included, to a secure, temporary location.

   • Scrub Surfaces: Mix a chicken-safe disinfectant with water and thoroughly wash all surfaces of the coop, including walls, floors, and nesting boxes. A pressure washer can be effective for this, but a good scrub brush and some elbow grease work just as well.

   • Inspect and Repair: Look for any damage or potential security risks in the coop structure. Make repairs as necessary to keep predators out and your chickens safe.

   • Disinfect: After washing, apply a disinfectant safe for chickens. Ensure the coop is completely dry before replacing bedding and allowing your chickens back in.

4. Seasonal Considerations: Adjust your cleaning routine to accommodate for hot or cold weather. In summer, ensure ample ventilation and consider adding more frequent dust baths with sand in shaded areas. In winter, reinforce the coop’s insulation and check for drafts.

Essential Supplies for a Clean Coop

• Bedding: Choose from pine shavings, straw, or sand for your coop floor and nesting boxes. Each has its benefits, such as moisture control and ease of cleaning.

• Disinfectants: Use a chicken-safe disinfectant for monthly deep cleans. Vinegar and water can be a natural alternative.

• Tools: Invest in coop-specific cleaning tools like a dustpan, broom, and a coop rake or shovel.

• Protection for You: Don’t forget about your own safety. Wear gloves and a mask, especially during deep cleans, to avoid inhaling dust or pathogens.

Which Bedding should you choose?

Picking out the right bedding for your chicken coop is more than just a chore; it's a crucial step in creating a welcoming home for your feathered friends. Proper bedding impacts everything from moisture control and temperature regulation to pest management and playtime. So, let's dive in and explore some fantastic bedding options to keep your coop comfortable and your chickens clucking with joy!

Let's Talk Bedding Basics

When choosing bedding, consider these key factors:

• Moisture and Odor Management

• Preventing Bacteria and Fungal Issues

• Insulation for Seasonal Comfort

• Deterring Rodents and Bugs

• Encouraging Natural Behaviors like Dust Baths

• Maintaining a Clean and Healthy Space

• Ease of Cleaning and Upkeep

Armed with this knowledge and your trusty reading glasses, get ready to find the perfect bedding solution that marries functionality with your chickens' health and happiness.

The Lowdown on Bedding Materials

SAND: A Superior Choice for Cleanliness and Comfort

Sand stands out for its exceptional moisture-wicking properties, significantly reducing the chance of bacteria and fungus. It keeps the coop smelling fresh and is naturally inhospitable to pests due to its dryness.

• Pros:

  • Excellent for moisture and temperature regulation

  • Beneficial for chickens' digestive health

  • Keeps pests at bay

  • Ideal in both cold and damp conditions

• Cons:

  • The heaviness makes clean-up challenging

  • Potential health risks if chickens ingest contaminated sand

  • Not suitable for composting

Tip: Opt for natural sand to avoid the pitfalls of manufactured alternatives.

STRAW: A Popular, Playful Bedding Choice

Straw is widely favored for its accessibility, especially on traditional farms. It's lightweight, making it easier to change than sand, and provides a cozy layer of insulation.

• Pros:

  • Readily available and convenient

  • Excellent insulation properties

  • Chickens love to play and nest in it

• Cons:

  • Potential risk of crop impaction

  • Lower absorbency could invite pests and mold

  • Requires frequent replacement to prevent odor and toxin buildup

Advice: Go for chopped straw to reduce health risks and ease maintenance.

PINE SHAVINGS: Balancing Dryness, Insulation, and Aesthetics

Pine shavings offer a middle ground with moderate absorbency and decent insulation, plus they contribute to a visually appealing and fresh-smelling coop.

• Pros:

  • Good moisture absorption and odor control

  • Budget-friendly and compostable

  • Lightweight and pleasant in appearance

• Cons:

  • Possible respiratory issues from dust

  • Concerns about toxicity in young chicks

Note: Steer clear of cedar shavings and opt for dust-extracted pine shavings to safeguard your flock's health.

SHREDDED PAPER: An Economical, Emergency Bedding

In a pinch, shredded paper can serve as a temporary bedding solution, easily mixed with other materials for added bulk.

• Pros:

  • Cost-effective and readily available

  • Can be a sustainable choice if composted

• Cons:

  • Potential toxicity from ink

  • Quickly becomes soggy and hard to manage

ORGANIC MATTER: Embracing Nature’s Bedding

Utilizing organic matter such as grass clippings, leaves, or garden waste introduces a natural element into your coop, encouraging foraging and play.

• Pros:

  • Free and fully compostable

  • Encourages natural chicken behavior

• Cons:

  • Can retain moisture, leading to mold

  • Rapid decomposition requires frequent replacement

Caution: Avoid using oak leaves excessively due to their tannin content.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right bedding involves balancing moisture control, insulation, health benefits, and practicality. Whether you lean towards the hygiene of sand, the lightness of straw, the cozy insulation of pine shavings, the convenience of shredded paper, or the natural appeal of organic matter, the key is finding what works best for your coop and your chickens. Remember, a clean, comfortable environment is paramount for your flock's health and happiness.

Cleaning your OverEZ Chicken Coop doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With regular maintenance, the right supplies, and a bit of time, you can ensure a clean, comfortable home for your chickens. Not only does this promote their health and happiness, but it also contributes to a more enjoyable and rewarding backyard chicken experience. Keep your coop clean, your chickens happy, and enjoy the bounty of fresh eggs and the joys of chicken keeping all year round.

Have More Questions or would like to make a purchase? Give Wild Oak Trail a Call at 1-844-945-3625, chat in or email info@wildoaktrail.com. Our super helpful and friendly staff are ready and available Mon-Fri 10AM-10PM CST.