My old method of cleaning the coop was making my hens sick

I used to just do a quick scoop and spray whenever the coop got smelly, maybe once a week or so. Thought that was good enough, you know? But last winter I had two of my Barred Rocks come down with respiratory issues and the vet said it was likely from ammonia buildup in the bedding. That made me totally change my approach. Now I do a full deep clean every 3 weeks - take out all the shavings, scrub the roosts with a vinegar water mix, and let it air out for a few hours before adding fresh stuff. It's way more work, like an extra hour each time, but my birds have been healthy ever since. Anyone else have a health scare that made you rethink your cleaning routine?

2 comments

2 Comments

rose_hart3113d ago

That vinegar trick sounds like a lifesaver honestly.

lisa_murray14d ago

Oh great, so I've been basically running a chicken gas chamber in my own backyard and didn't even know it. Good to know my "good enough" scrub was just setting my birds up for a horror movie sequel. Your vet probably thinks you're a mess now too, huh? Mine gave me that look like "you call yourself a chicken parent?" when I brought in my hen with a limp from a perches I built out of PVC pipe. Guess we're all learning the hard way that our lazy shortcuts can turn into a crime scene.