How to clean and disinfect a chicken coop

Generally speaking, chickens don't require a huge amount of attention. However, cleaning the chicken coop and the surrounding area on a regular basis is an essential part of chicken keeping. Poor hygiene should be avoided at all costs as your chickens will soon fall victim to fleas, ticks and other parasites.

Your flock may also become more prone to mange and other more serious conditions such as infectious coryza or coccidiosis. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to feed your chickens correctly, ensure their bedding is changed regularly and to clean the chicken coop on a regular basis.

It's also important to have the right products on hand. If your chickens are affected by any health conditions, you will need to treat the whole coop. Here are the most important cleaning products, disinfectants and treatments to have at your disposal:

• fresh bedding;

• products containing diatomaceous earth;

• chicken-friendly wood oils;

• chicken coop disinfectant;

• treatments to deal with common pests and diseases.

Cleaning and disinfectant products need to be applied regularly to both the chicken coop and the surrounding area. Treatments can be applied to deal with parasites or disease, or used as preventative measures. 

Chicken bedding should be bought in bulk. In fact, straw plays an essential role in keeping the coop clean by absorbing moisture. It also provides the right texture to keep your chickens' feet comfortable.

Bedding designed for chicken coops and nesting boxes is generally made of materials like flax, hay or wood chips. It's also possible to use certain types of grasses and ferns. If using straw, you need to spread a 15 cm thick layer and be sure to replace it every week.

In turn, the floor of the coop can play a protective role by combating pests and bacteria growth. Among all the materials available, natural and organic bedding will always be the best option.

Made using 100% natural and often locally sourced materials, organic bedding is eco-friendly and provides a healthy environment for your birds.

An essential for any chicken keeper keen to keep their flock healthy, diatomaceous earth can be a really useful tool. A powdery substance made from the siliceous rock diatomite, diatomaceous earth provides a number of benefits for farmyard animals.

This mineral is formed by tiny pre-historic aquatic organisms fossilised in rock. The diatomite is washed before being broken down into diatomaceous earth, a 100% natural powder that works to destroy insects such as fleas, ants, ticks and insect larvae.

The powder may be white or grey, but always make sure to go for a non-calcined product. It is generally mixed with water but can also be sprinkled around the chicken coop as a powder; it's also possible to mix it in with the bedding. No matter how you apply diatomaceous earth, be sure to follow the product instructions. 

Be careful not to confuse this product with its calcined form. Calcined diatomaceous earth is to be strictly avoided as it is toxic to chickens.

A non-toxic wood oil or preserver can be used to protect the wood and help to keep wooden components (such as ladders, perches and nest boxes) clean. The wood should be protected as you are setting up the chicken coop and as you carry out your annual maintenance. Wood oils are generally made using natural products.

Pine extract, flax oil, beeswax and cade oil are just a few examples of naturally derived oils that help to protect wood. Most of these oils are colourless and do not need to be diluted before application. Wood oils can help to protect the chicken against threats such as:

• fungi and wood-eating insects;

• bacteria growth in the wood;

• parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites;

• insect larvae which hatch inside the coop.

Oil or preserver should only be applied after deep cleaning the chicken coop. A garden hose with a multi-jet lance will make the task much easier. If you find that some stubborn dirt remains once the chicken coop is dry, remove using a mixture of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Oil can then be brushed on or applied using a paint brush.

Summer is the best time of year to deep clean a chicken coop. The days are longer and the weather is better allowing your feathered friends to enjoy the garden while you work.

Chicken coop disinfectants contain bacteria-killing and fungicidal ingredients. Diatomaceous earth is one of the most commonly used disinfectants around animals. As mentioned above, diatomaceous earth is a natural product that is highly effective and non-toxic to chickens and chicks.

These products may also contain other ingredients such as certain essential oils which help to boost their fungicidal and antibacterial properties. It is also possible to use chemicals for faster results.

Some disinfectants also contain anti-viral properties. While they are highly effective at combating viruses, fungi and pests, these products should be used with care as they can be very toxic. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Chickens can be affected by fleas, ticks and mites. Intestinal worms can lead to further, more serious complications such as coccidiosis. Chickens are also at risk of catching common diseases from mites (such as mange) or viruses (such as coryza).

Flea, tick and mite treatments for chickens

These types of products can play a preventative role or can be used to treat infestations. Products containing diatomaceous earth can be used in both cases. In terms of prevention, other products (including pyrethrum powder, or essential oils containing thyme, tansy and other plants) can be used.

Chicken worming treatments

While they are robust creatures, chickens are at risk of certain conditions. To prevent illness, use a chicken feed containing food-grade diatomaceous earth. Be careful not to confuse these products with calcined diatomaceous earth which is toxic.

Treating chicken mange

Mange is a condition caused by mites. Ideally, these pests should be destroyed before they have the chance to cause mange. Once again, diatomaceous earth is a great preventative treatment and will mercilessly destroy the pests. If mange has set in, a few natural products can be applied as ointments. These products are usually plant-based and contain essential oils such as boldo leaf or borage.

Treating colds and other common conditions

Some common conditions, such as colds, can also be treated or even prevented using natural methods. Simply feeding your chickens a vitamin-rich diet in the first place will help boost their natural defences. However, if symptoms persist, or if you have any doubts whatsoever, it's important to consult a vet.

Coryza is a serious condition in chickens. The first symptoms are similar to the common cold and include slight respiratory issues, runny nose and a crackling sound in the lungs. As the condition gets worse, your chickens may show more serious signs such as swelling of the head, conjunctivitis and general weakness. The only solution in this case is to consult a vet who will prescribe suitable medication. The same applies to any other infectious illnesses.