Want to spend less time cleaning your chicken coop and run?

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This video from my backyard gives you an idea how easy it can be to facilitate cleaning by putting systems in place. 

Sand for litter, droppings boards under roosts and the tools used to help accomplish this.

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The primary function for litter in chicken coops is to keep it dry and facilitate cleaning.

Sand when kept dry, prevents any bacteria from starting, is the easiest to keep clean, as the droppings lay on top and are easily lifted off.

There are many benefits of sand, it desiccates droppings, it does not retain moisture or decay, which means less risk of respiratory infections, fewer flies, less bacteria growth, reduced bumblefoot infections and a lower risk of frostbite compared to shavings or straw.

There is no risk of crop impaction with sand, sand is beneficial to the digestive tract as it is used as grit in the gizzard to break down fibrous foods.

Due to its high thermal mass, sand is to keep the environment dry and facilitate waste removal. It is not for the purpose of keeping chickens warm in cold weather. Chickens will keep themselves warm with their high body temperatures and feather insulation in a dry environment. 

Dry sand will not freeze in freezing temperatures, but any litter that is allowed to get wet in freezing temperatures will.

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A few of the tools I use to accomplish the cleaning of my coops and runs with spending the least amount of time are listed here:

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1. Kitty Litter Scoop

2.Dry Wall Taping Knife

3. Gold Mining Pan

4. Fresh Coop- An optional item to help absorb the wetter droppings on the droppings board to reduce moisture in the coop.( We sprinkle in on the boards after cleaning off.)

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