If you have backyard chickens, you know that fresh eggs are not the only benefit. Chickens are also great for fertilizing your garden, eating bugs, and providing companionship.
However, there is one downside to keeping chickens – the smell. A chicken coop that is not cleaned regularly can start to smell really bad, really quickly.
Here are a few tips to keep your chicken coop smelling fresh!
Clean The Coop Regularly
This should go without saying, but it bears repeating. A clean coop will not only smell better, but it will also be healthier for your chickens.
Aim to clean out the coop at least once a week. Remove all the old bedding and replace it with fresh straw or pine shavings.
Scrub down all the surfaces, paying extra attention to any areas where there is build-up (such as the food and water dispensers).
Ventilate The Coop
Eggs + droppings = a smelly Situation. Make sure your chicken coop has plenty of ventilation to allow for air circulation. This will help to carry away any bad smells and keep things feeling fresh inside the coop.
Keep Food and Water Clean
Old, stale food and dirty water are a recipe for disaster – both in terms of smell and health hazards. Clean out food and water dispensers daily, and make sure to refresh the water so it’s always clean and cool for your chickens to drink.
Use Natural Detergents Against Pests
Pests like mice and rats can create their own unpleasant smells – not to mention the danger they pose to your chickens if they get into the coop.
To deter pests, try using mint leaves or dried chili peppers around the perimeter of the coop. You can also put screens over any vents or openings to prevent rodents from getting inside.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so taking some simple steps now will pay off in the long run by keeping your chicken coop smelling fresher for longer periods of time!
Cleaning out your chicken coop on a regular basis is one of the best ways to keep it smelling fresh all year round!
Schedule some time each week to perform a “deep clean” so that you can remove all the old bedding, scrub down surfaces, and replenish fresh straw or pine shavings as needed. In between deep cleans, perform a quick check-up every few days to make sure everything is still in tip-top shape.
By following these simple tips, you can rest assured that your chicken coop will stay smelling fresh all year round!