Keeping a chicken coop clean doesn’t need to be a full time job. A simple routine keeps the flock healthy and makes the coop smell way better than most people expect.
Why This Topic Matters
Clean bedding and good airflow help prevent ammonia buildup, pests, and stress in your hens. A good cleaning routine also keeps eggs cleaner and makes your chores faster.
Why You Can Trust This Guidance
I’ve kept chickens in different coop styles and tried everything from deep litter to weekly cleanouts. This schedule comes from what actually works without overdoing it.
Simple Coop Cleaning Schedule
Daily
- Grab eggs
- Quick look for wet spots or spilled water
Weekly
- Add a thin layer of fresh bedding
- Knock old bedding off roosts
- Check nesting boxes
Monthly
- Rake or stir bedding
- Wipe down roost bars
Seasonally (2 or 3 times a year)
- Full cleanout
- Replace all bedding
- Scrub the floor and roosts
- Inspect for cracks or pests
Signs Your Coop Needs Extra Cleaning
- Ammonia smell
- Damp corners
- Flies hanging around
- Hens sleeping in nesting boxes
- Dirty eggs more than usual
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too little bedding
- Skipping ventilation
- Cleaning too often (it stresses birds and wastes bedding)
- Ignoring moisture from leaky waterers
FAQs
Should I disinfect the coop?
Only during full cleanouts or if you see a problem.
Do chickens care about smell?
They tolerate a lot, but ammonia is harmful.
How long does a cleaning take?
Weekly tasks take 5 minutes. Deep cleanouts take about an hour.
Final Summary
A weekly refresh, a monthly tidy, and a couple full cleanouts per year keep your coop clean and your flock healthy. A simple routine is all you need.