Summer Coop Care: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Chickens Happy and Healthy

Part 1: Chicken Coop Cleaning in Summer Heat

As a responsible chicken owner, keeping your coop clean is crucial, especially during the hot summer months when bacteria and pests thrive. A clean environment is a proactive step towards ensuring your flock's good health and well-being. Here's how to maintain a hygienic coop.

1. Schedule Regular Cleanings:

•    Weekly Deep Cleaning: Set aside a designated day each week to conduct a comprehensive cleaning session. Remove old bedding, trash, and debris to avoid the accumulation of odors and bacteria.

•    Daily Spot Checks: Perform quick daily checks to remove waste or wet bedding.

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2. Essential Cleaning Supplies:

•    Natural Disinfectants: Vinegar and lemon juice are great natural alternatives to harsh chemicals. Their acidity helps disinfect without leaving harmful residues.

•    Bleach Solution: Mix one bleach with ten parts water for a deeper clean. Use sparingly and rinse thoroughly to avoid toxicity.

•    Deodorizing Sprays: Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, oregano or tea tree oil can help freshen the coop. Mix a few drops of water in a spray bottle.

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Yellow Spin Scrubber, 7-Headed, Multipurpose Cleaning Brush with Long Battery Life

MICROBE-LIFT Chicken Coop Cleaner and Odor Eliminator, Use on all Surfaces and Supplies, Turns Chicken Poop Into Fertilizer, Ammonia Reducer, Highly Concentrated and Safe Formula, 32 Ounces

3. Cleaning Procedure:

•    Take out the Bedding: Clear the coop of old bedding and waste. If feasible, compost this material as it can benefit your garden.

•    Clean Surfaces: Use a firm brush and the cleaning solution to clean walls, floors, and nesting boxes. Be sure to focus on corners where dirt tends to gather.

•    After cleaning, rinse the surfaces with clean water and let the coop dry thoroughly before putting in new bedding to avoid the growth of mold.

4. Tips for a Healthy Diet:

    •    Electrolytes: Add electrolytes to your poultry's water on hot days to ensure they stay hydrated. Use electrolyte powder made specifically for poultry.

    •    Fresh Greens: Provide a variety of leafy greens like kale, spinach, or lettuce to supply hydration and essential nutrients. Please place them in the coop to stimulate pecking and activity.

5. Keep Ventilation in Check:

•    Proper Air Circulation: Maintain adequate airflow by opening windows, doors, and vents. Installing fans can also assist in cooling the coop and decreasing humidity levels.

•    Shade: Ensure there are shaded spots both inside and outside the coop to assist in controlling the temperatures for your chickens.

Interesting Concept: Develop a "Coop Cleaning Checklist." Get your family engaged in this collaborative task. It's an excellent opportunity to strengthen bonds and emphasize the significance of maintaining coop hygiene.

Happy Chicken Keeping!!

From Lalas Farm with Love