Clean and Disinfect Your Coop
Follow these steps for cleaning and disinfecting your coop
Cleaning your coop is key to to preventing disease in your flock and keeping your flock healthy.
1. Move Birds and Equipment
Move your birds to a safe place. Take out feeders and waterers.
2. Remove Bedding
Remove and dispose of all used bedding.
3. Dry Clean
Sweep out feathers, manure, and dirt. Use a scraper to remove anything stuck on surfaces.
4. Wash
Soak and scrub all surfaces like roosts, walls, and nesting boxes with warm water and mild soap (such as dish soap). Thoroughly clean and scrub objects before applying disinfectants.
5. Rinse
Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue. If available, use a pressure washer to remove remaining organic material. Disinfectants cannot work on top of organic material like dirt and manure.
6. Disinfect
Apply a poultry-safe disinfectant, such as:
- 1 part bleach to 9 parts water (e.g., 1.5 cups of bleach to 1 gallon of water).
- A commercial disinfectant labeled for poultry. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes or as directed, then rinse if required. Always follow manufacturer’s directions.
7. Dry
Allow everything to dry completely before adding fresh bedding and letting your birds back in.
Why This Matters
Regular cleaning prevents germs from spreading, keeps your birds healthy, and reduces the chance of disease.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting
Cleaning and disinfecting are two separate steps that work together to prevent disease and keep your flock healthy.
1. Cleaning
Removes organic material like dirt, manure, feathers, and debris. This step includes physically removing debris, soaking, washing, and rinsing surfaces. Remember, disinfectants cannot work on top of caked-on dirt and manure.
2. Disinfecting
Kills harmful germs like bacteria, fungi, or viruses that remain after cleaning. This step works on hard, non-porous surfaces like metal, plastic, or painted wood. Porous materials, such as untreated wood or bedding, are difficult to disinfect.
Resources
Explore more detailed guides and fact sheets to support your flock care.