Proper coop and equipment maintenance is essential to keeping healthy chickens. Developing a routine will help streamline the process.
Disinfect feeders and water dispensers and housing regularly. Keeping your coop dry is very important...and not always an easy task in the PNW. Make an effort to remove old or contaminated feed, soiled or wet bedding (straw, wood shavings, etc.), and manure on a daily basis. If you are going to use a cleaning agent for the “heavy duty” cleaning of your coop, make sure it’s suitable to be used around animals. Be sure to let everything dry thoroughly before replacing bedding or feed and allowing your chickens to return to the coop.
Inspect housing regularly for cracks or openings that can leave your coop vulnerable to rodents and moisture from leaks. The dryer the coop, the better. Moist environments make ideal conditions for parasites, bacteria, and viruses.
Consider storing feed in metal containers with tight-fitting lids. This will help keep the feed dry and also keep rodents out. Store the feed in a dry place, out of direct sunlight.
