Before you read the article check out our episode on keeping chickens in town. It can be done. That can be found HERE Keeping chickens is a great way to lead you down the path of self sufficiency. We encourage people to consider adding them to their backyards.
There are so many great things about having chickens, but the chicken stink isn’t one of them. A stinky coop can draw predators or cause other health problems for your chickens; a chicken owner can do several things to keep the stink out.
Move your coop regularly
Moving your coop regularly is the best option. Many people move their coop around the yard like it’s their job weekly or even daily. This is the best option because it removes the need to do most of the other tips. The chickens have a clean living space and area to scratch around daily. Their feed becomes, in part, the fresh grass they consume, so that saves money. And they don’t have time to destroy the grass and poo everywhere.
Clean regularly
If it isn’t possible to move your coop, which for me it isn’t, cleaning it regularly is another way to keep the stink down. Many people utilize the deep litter method, which limits the necessity of cleaning as much as possible. Cleaning is as easy as a quick rake and keeping a large amount of wood chips, shavings, or even sand in the chicken run. The constant removal of waste eliminates odor. Other people use an absorbent material in their chicken area, such as straw, hay, or hemp, to absorb excess moisture, which in turn helps eliminate odor.
Eliminate moisture
Keeping the chicken area as clear as possible of moisture is an integral part of deodorizing it. You can add moisture absorbers, sure, but also make sure your roof is keeping moisture out of the coop. After you clean, add some diatomaceous earth and lime to whatever litter method you choose. These help absorb water and remove unwanted pests and diseases from your chicken’s home.
Proper ventilation is vital
You can try to remove moisture all you want, but without ventilation, it will return as soon as your girls spend one night in an unventilated coop. Your coop should have an opening at the top or an open window (with protection) all year round. Fresh air is necessary to keep them cool and remove excess moisture.
Consider a coop redesign
After you’ve been a chicken owner for a while, you may find things about your coop or chicken area you don’t love. Be willing to change to removable floors or create runs that move your chickens around the yard. Every new chicken owner will find things they don’t love about their coop. Make the changes that will make things easier to clean or move. You are capable of a lot, and the internet has a lot of coop designs that may better suit your life.
Creating a healthy and happy environment for your chickens can be as easy as making a few changes. You may already be taking some of these steps, but you can achieve the less smelly existence you seek by instituting one more. Here’s to happy chickens and keepers everywhere!
If you have an idea you don’t see mentioned here, leave us a comment on any of our social media accounts. We love to hear from our fellow chicken tenders.
