How to Disinfect a Chicken Coop

Stories of health outbreaks caused by improperly housed chickens have been all over the news in recent years. While these problems occur most often in commercial operations with tens or hundreds of thousands of chickens, diseases can happen in small flocks, as well. Most of the problem occurs because of a lack of sanitary conditions. Regular, intensive cleaning of the chicken coop is the first step in raising healthy chickens for food and egg production.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Broom
  • Dustpan
  • Scrub brush
  • Bucket
  • Soap
  • Power washer or garden hose
  • Poultry-approved disinfectant
  • Wood shavings or straw litter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove feeders and watering devices from coop. Empty, wash and set aside.

    • 2

      Shovel out all soiled litter from the coop. Also remove bedding/litter in the nest boxes. Discard onto compost pile or other areas inaccessible to the chickens.

    • 3

      Sweep out the coop, making sure all debris has been removed from all surfaces.

    • 4

      Scrub perches and nest boxes to remove caked on feces. Replace extremely soiled perches, if necessary.

    • 5

      Wash down all surfaces of the coop, starting at the ceiling and working down. Use a scrub brush to remove any caked on feces and litter.

    • 6

      Hose down the entire coop to rinse.

    • 7

      Apply poultry-approved disinfectant according to product instructions. These products can be found at farm-supply stores or livestock suppliers.

    • 8

      Allow the coop to dry completely.

    • 9

      Refill the nest boxes with wood shavings or straw.

    • 10

      Place about 6 inches of wood shavings on the coop floor.

    • 11

      Refill watering devices and feeder and replace in coop.