Cleaning the Coop

 



So today I decided to clean the girls coop. I like to do it about every month or so. When Thor built our coop we decised we wanted it big enough for us to walk into. Considering Thor is 6'4", the coop needed to be accommodating. It has 6 nesting boxes, a ramp to the second story boxes, windows on two sides and a wood shelf that I planned on using for fresh flowers in pots. The girls had other plans...(it's their goodnight roosting perch) It's too cute, however the shelf gets covered in chicken poo. I only use Apple Cider Vinegar to clean the coop. It smells good, is inexpensive and gets the job done without the use of hash chemicals...so why not? The vinegar kills all bacteria and fungi and keeps odors down. We use a layer of good pine bedding along with straw in the boxes. I also use fresh herbs from our garden in the boxes. The use of herbs in the coop and boxes is to keep mites ad insects away while the girls are nesting. Not to mention keep the eggs clean. It also helps their overall health. I mean...we use them in our medicine right?? A few of the herbs we grow are Lavendar, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Basil, Parsley, Oregano, Spearmint and Apple Mint. All can be used in the boxes along with Violets if you have them. They grow native/wild here in Seattle, WA. The end result will be a gorgeously decorated box for your girls along with the "protection" that comforts us Chicken Mom's. Plan to clean out your Coop at least every Month, and nesting boxes weekly for optimal health and egg production.