Coop Cleaning: A dirty job

Coop cleaning day once again

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• victory
• farm
• chicken
• farmer
• coop
• cleaning
• nobes

[victoryfarm]

That coop was purchased. We've since added another but I wish we hadn't. The purchased one has worked better and will be much cheaper in the long run. Floor is just plywood. If you manage your bedding well there will be little or no ammonia. Secret is to keep the humidity down, especially in winter. Nest boxes are galvanized. My fav supplier is Cutler's Poultry Supplies.

[caboy222]

@victoryfarm Thanks for such a quick reply! If you wouldn't mind one more question (well, for now) :), where did you purchase the coop? It looks just right for what I want to do. I've wanted chickens for about 12 years, since we moved to a property with 5 acres. That and a steer for meat. Thanks for the inspiration, and the help.

[victoryfarm]

@caboy222 We got that one from a local guy that sells sheds. There are a bunch around here. I think Sears sells kits and if you're only looking to keep a few chickens check out farmtek.com. If you just need plans I've seen a number of places with free plans but I don't recall the sites offhand.

[tomcat624u]

I WAS THINKING ABOUT USEING SAND AS A FLOOR IN MY FUTURE CHECKEN COOP. HAS ANYONE TRIED THIS METHOD?

[victoryfarm]

@tomcat624u That might work but only of you were willing to clean it very frequently. Generally you want bedding to be organic and absorbent to the point that it will naturally compost. We only clean our coops once per year and they never smell. Another option some people use is shredded corn cobs which a very available in some areas.

[caholaway]

How often do you have to clean it?

[victoryfarm]

@caholaway Only once a year. We use the "deep litter method" which basically means keeping a good amount of litter in the coop and being very diligent in managing the humidity. Done right, the litter will compost in-place and there is almost no smell. The key is the humidity. Took us awhile to figure out how to control it.

[caboy222]

Wonderful video. Did you build your coop? If so, where did you find the plans? What is the floor made of that won't absorb the ammonia? The removable nest boxes are a terrific idea. Were they made of galvanized steel? Sorry to pick your brain. It just looks like you know what you're doing. Your son is a terrific advocate for raising chickens.

[NCHollop]

4:05 Just like that, good job!! Lol.

[NCHollop]

Great little farmer you have there!!

[morningbirdfeeder]

he's cute, neat video

[tomcat624u]

@victoryfarm HAVE SEEN THE WAY SAND SOAKS UP WATER, IT IS MY BELIEF THAT. SAND MY VERY WELL BE A GOOD BEDDING MATERIAL FOR A CHICKEN COOP. BUT THATS JUST A GUESS. THANKS FOR THE INSIGHT GOD BLESS!