Cleaning the coop

[VirginVegGrower]

Did mine today as a thorough clean out - also cleared chippings from run. Quick question though - what do others clean their wooden coops out with? Thanks in advance x

[frias]

If it's a big scrub out I use ***** fluid. My vet says it's the best weapon against red mite. I do find the smell a bit strong though so like to do it on a warm day so everything dries thoroughly.

[MarkN]

Poultry Shield

Wells Poultry Equipment | Product Info | Poultry shield red mite treatment

[RichmondHens]

Be careful not to make wood repeatedly wet with disinfectant or other agent, particularly in winter. If you muck out regularly, say once or twice a week, then removing the droppings and a quick sweep out is sufficient. If you feel a deep clean and scrub is necessary then wait till the warmer drier weather is here so the house dries out properly before roosting time.

[chris]

Throughout winter I've just been doing my usual weekly clean out, as advised by RH - I asked the same question as you before, so just sweep out the shavings (have cut down on them now, as my compost bins are overflowing), take nestbox divider out, sweep straw out - replace.

Big clean wise, i've got ***** ready but haven't done one since I've had them yet as it's been too wet all the time.

[Suechooks]

In winter I use Stalosan when I do a major clean. This avoids the need to wet the wood.

[vicky]

I have a bit of lino on the floor so that gets hauled out and scrubbed (just water), I sprinkle stalosan when I put it back in.
Was a bit worried at first that mites might hide under it but no problems so far

[VirginVegGrower]

In winter I use Stalosan when I do a major clean. This avoids the need to wet the wood.

I have a bit of lino on the floor so that gets hauled out and scrubbed (just water), I sprinkle stalosan when I put it back in.
Was a bit worried at first that mites might hide under it but no problems so far

What is Stalosan please?

I scrubbed with ***** and replaced shavings - have poo picked every day and topped Aubiose. Our composter is full now too although OH using his hosepipe
It was very sunny yesterday and had coop roof open afterwards for several hours drying but seems like I didn't need to do such a thorough clean just yet.

Thanks all for advice!

[Glutton4...]

I bought a container of Smite, which you dilute for use, and I spray my corners, cracks and perches with this after cleaning. In any 'gooey' areas, I make sure I sprinkle a good helping of Louse powder, too. Spring cleaning, involves ***** Fluid, but only on a hot day, so everything can dry. I seem to be the only Chicken keeper in this area without leg mites, so I must be doing something right!

[chris]

What is Stalosan please?

I scrubbed with ***** and replaced shavings - have poo picked every day and topped Aubiose. Our composter is full now too although OH using his hosepipe
It was very sunny yesterday and had coop roof open afterwards for several hours drying but seems like I didn't need to do such a thorough clean just yet.

Thanks all for advice!

It's a powder form disinfectant iirc. I've limited to using the shavings under their perches only now, as my compost bins were filling up too fast - I couldn't match the amount of green waste with the amount of brown the chickens were generating. There's only so much I can wee i can do in a week in the compost bin too!

[VirginVegGrower]

I'll look out for that thanks.

All these people flashing in the garden - am shocked

[jessmorris]

I do 'dry' clean outs in the winter when there's no red mite. Once it warms up I spray with a mite killer in corners every week - can't remember what its called - you mix it with water, permethrin based. Chooks also have a dry dust bath in the greenhouse in the winter with compost and diatomaceous earth to try and control northern fowl mite. I live in a really wet region so I can't spray in the winter as it would never dry out!
JM

[MarkN]

I've been cleaning mine out with a good hose down and disinfect all winter (apart from when it froze). I've been drying it pretty well (with an old towel when wet) and my coop is reasonably small (8 - 10 birds). Have I been doing wrong?

[VirginVegGrower]

I do 'dry' clean outs in the winter when there's no red mite. Once it warms up I spray with a mite killer in corners every week - can't remember what its called - you mix it with water, permethrin based. Chooks also have a dry dust bath in the greenhouse in the winter with compost and diatomaceous earth to try and control northern fowl mite. I live in a really wet region so I can't spray in the winter as it would never dry out!
JM

What is the timing for red mite please? I am afraid all this is a bit new to me.

Thanks in advance.

[Suechooks]

What is the timing for red mite please? I am afraid all this is a bit new to me.

Thanks in advance.

I've been treating for red mite for a couple of weeks now. ie Diatom in corners and under perch rests, spray with Poultry Shield or Smite a couple of times a week. As the weather warms up I increase the number of times a week I spray under perches until its being done daily when I poo-pick, then full coop weekly with weekly clean out.
I'm hoping my new coops will be easier as theyre made of ply and creocote has been done in joins as they were made.
Its better to be a month too early than one day too late and have to treat when the little b^$$3"s have got themselves settled into the coop.