Is your chicken run looking a little worse for wear? Keeping your flock’s living space clean is essential for their health and productivity, reducing the risk of disease, pests, and unpleasant odors. In this article, we’ll share practical tips and effective steps to get your chicken run sparkling clean, ensuring a safer, more comfortable environment for your chickens to thrive.
What You’ll Need: Essential Tools and Supplies
Before starting the cleaning process, gather these necessary tools:
| Tool/Item | Purpose |
| Shovel or Scraper | To remove droppings and soiled bedding |
| Garden Hose or Pressure Washer | For rinsing down the run and cleaning the floor |
| Broom and Dustpan | To sweep up smaller debris and dirt |
| Scrub Brushes | For scrubbing wire mesh and other surfaces |
| Disinfectant or Vinegar Solution | Safe for animals but effective at killing germs |
| Rubber Gloves and Boots | For protection against dirt and bacteria |
| Trash Bags or Compost Bin | For disposing of old bedding and droppings |
| Fresh Bedding | Straw, hay, or wood shavings to replenish the run once cleaned |
How to Clean Your Chicken Run (DIY Step-by-Step Guide)
A proper deep clean of your chicken run ensures a safe, healthy environment for your flock by removing waste, smell, bacteria, and dirt. Follow this detailed DIY routine to clean your chicken thoroughly and safely.
Step 1: Safely Remove Your Chickens and Clear Feeders/Waterers
Before you begin cleaning, remove your chickens from the run to ensure they are safe and out of the way.
How to Remove Your Chickens
- Gently corral your chickens into a smaller space like a pen or coop
- Remove any feeders, waterers, and other accessories from the run area to ensure thorough cleaning
Tip: Keep all feeders and waterers in a separate area while cleaning to avoid contamination from cleaning agents.
Step 2: Remove Droppings and Soiled Bedding from the Run
Removing waste is the first and most crucial step in cleaning your chicken run.
How to Remove Waste
- Use a shovel, scraper, or rake to collect droppings from the run floor
- If the area is large, consider using a garden rake to gather waste more efficiently
- Remove all soiled bedding (like straw, hay, or wood shavings) along with the droppings
- Dispose of the waste in compost or trash, depending on your preference
Tip: Composting soiled bedding is eco-friendly and can be used later to enrich your garden soil.
Step 3: Thoroughly Clean the Wire Mesh and Roosting Bars
The wire mesh and roosting bars often collect dirt, droppings, and feathers. Scrub these surfaces for a thorough clean.
How to Clean the Mesh and Bars
- Use a scrub brush and a pet-safe cleaning solution to scrub the wire mesh and roosting bars
- For heavy build-up, use a pressure washer or garden hose to rinse the surfaces after scrubbing
Tip: Ensure all nooks and crannies are cleaned to avoid harboring bacteria and pests.
Step 4: Disinfect the Run Floor and Frame for a Germ-Free Environment
Disinfecting your Chicken Run is essential to ensure it’s free from harmful bacteria and pathogens.
How to Disinfect the Run
- Use a pet-safe disinfectant or a vinegar solution to spray the floor and frame of the run
- Let the disinfectant sit for a few minutes to kill germs and bacteria, then rinse off with water
Safe Cleaning Solutions
Natural Options:
- White Vinegar: A natural disinfectant that is safe for chickens and effective at killing bacteria
- Baking Soda: Works well for scrubbing surfaces and absorbing smell.
- Lemon Juice: Natural acid that can help break down stains and deodorize
Step 5 : Level and Maintain the Soil Floor
- Use a rake or broom to level and smooth out the soil, removing any remaining droppings, bedding, or debris.
- Occasionally, you can turn the soil to aerate it and promote natural decomposition of waste.
Step 6: Refresh Bedding and Return Chickens to a Clean Environment
Once the run is dry, it’s time to add fresh bedding and return your chickens.
How to Add Bedding
- Lay down fresh bedding, such as straw, or wood shavings
- Make sure the bedding is spread evenly across the floor
Maintenance Schedule
Deep Cleaning: Clean the run thoroughly once every 2-3 weeks, depending on the size of your run and number of chickens.
Daily Maintenance:
- Remove droppings to keep the run cleaner.
- Check for signs of pests like rodents or insects
- Ensure fresh water and food are available
Between Deep Cleans: Spot clean droppings every few days to keep things under control.
Tips for Managing Odors
- Use a thin layer of diatomaceous earth on the floor to absorb moisture and odors
- Regularly replace bedding and keep the run dry
- Place herbs like lavender or mint in the run as natural odor repellents
Maintaining a clean chicken run is crucial for the health of your flock. Regular cleaning not only prevents pests, and diseases like Salmonella and Coccidiosis but also creates a comfortable and safe environment for your chickens. By following the steps outlined, you’ll ensure a hygienic space that promotes better egg production and overall flock well-being. Stay consistent with your cleaning routine, and your chickens will thrive in a healthier, more productive environment.
FAQs
1. How do I keep my chicken run safe from predators?
To protect your chicken run from predators, use strong materials like welded wire or hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, which can be easily breached. Make sure the fence is buried 6 inches deep to prevent digging, and add a secure roof or overhead cover to protect from aerial attacks.
2. Can you use bleach to clean a chicken run?
Yes, you can use bleach to clean a chicken run, but it should be diluted to avoid harming your chickens. A common ratio is 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the area to remove any bleach residue, as it can be toxic to chickens if left behind. Make sure the area is completely dry before returning your chickens.
3. How do you clean a muddy chicken run?
To clean a muddy chicken run, start by removing the wet bedding and waste using a shovel or rake. If the mud is persistent, consider adding gravel, sand, or wood chips to improve drainage and reduce mud. You can also elevate the run slightly or provide a tarp or cover to prevent excessive rain from worsening the conditions.
4. How do I control flies in a chicken run?
To control flies in a chicken run, keep the area clean and dry by regularly removing droppings and replacing bedding. You can also use natural fly repellents like lavender, eucalyptus, or mint. Fly traps or bags can help catch flies, and good ventilation in the run will discourage fly infestations.