Eliminating Chicken Coop Odor: Strategies For Fresh Air

Keeping a chicken coop smelling fresh is important for the health of both chickens and humans. The main cause of a smelly chicken coop is ammonia, which is produced when nitrogen-rich chicken manure comes into contact with moisture. To mitigate this aroma, it is essential to focus on reducing moisture levels in the coop. This can be achieved by using a nipple waterer instead of a trough, weatherproofing the coop, and ensuring proper ventilation. Additionally, circulating the air with fans, using absorbent bedding such as pine shavings, and regularly cleaning the coop can help reduce odours.

Keep the coop well-ventilated

Keeping the chicken coop well-ventilated is an important step in reducing the strong, unpleasant odour of ammonia. Ammonia is a natural byproduct of poultry manure and can be harmful to both chickens and humans. High levels of ammonia can cause severe respiratory problems, infected guts, and even vision problems for chickens.

To reduce the smell of ammonia, you can take the following steps to ensure your chicken coop is well-ventilated:

• Install windows or vents in the coop to allow for natural airflow. Ensure that windows are not too big and cover them with sturdy wire to keep out predators.
• Place vents high up in the coop, above where the chickens are, to allow the ammonia to vent out.
• Use a mounted fan, such as an oscillating or box fan, to circulate the air and move ammonia out of the coop. This will also help keep flies and other insects out.
• In hot and humid weather, use a fan to reduce moisture and maintain a comfortable temperature for your chickens.
• If possible, use an air conditioner to reduce oppressive humidity during the summer months.
• Ensure your coop is weatherproof by checking that the roof is watertight and there is enough roof overhang to stop rain from entering the coop windows.

Remove excess water and moisture

Water and moisture are key factors in creating the ammonia smell that arises in chicken coops. Therefore, it is essential to focus on removing excess water and moisture from the coop.

Firstly, it is important to weatherproof your chicken coop. Ensure that your roof is watertight and that there is enough roof overhang to stop rainwater from entering the coop windows. Having rainwater reach your bedding will undoubtedly result in a strong chicken coop smell, so be sure your roof and coop are sufficient to keep your birds, and their litter, dry.

Check that your chicken coop is not leaking. Snow, ice, and rain can seep into the coop's structure, and during the winter, it is difficult for the wood to dry out. Simply having a coop that is not weatherproof can add to the air's humidity level.

You should also be mindful of the type of watering system you are using. Leaking or incorrectly set water dispensers are a surefire source of additional moisture. For trough waterers, be sure the edge of the lip is at the level of your bird’s back. Correctly setting this height will reduce splashing and trough fouling. Nipple waterers are a great way to curtail water leaks. A correctly set nipple waterer will result in dryer bedding, cleaner water, and healthier birds. Chickens should have to stretch up just a little to reach the metal valve of the nipple, without jumping. Setting them at this height will severely reduce any leaking while in use.

Another way to remove excess water and moisture is to use the correct bedding for your chicken coop. Never use straw or hay as bedding! Both of these beddings trap moisture and give a place for bacteria to grow. Use a deep bedding pack of pine shavings, which absorb moisture much better than straw. You can also use a mixture of the two.

If you are using the deep litter method, be sure you have the correct balance of droppings to shavings. The deep litter method is similar to your composting pile with three phases of decomposition. When it is time to remove the layers, use all the materials and muck as compost! It is rich in nitrogen and will help your plants thrive.

Finally, focus on drainage in the outdoor areas. Moisture, especially during the rainy season, will make its way into the coop. A chicken’s muddy feet will track in that wet dirt and collect moisture inside. Therefore, drainage is necessary. Consider placing straw, adding a boardwalk, or scattering pine needles to keep your chicken coop smelling fresh. Straw, pine shavings, and pine needles will help wipe off a chicken’s feet before entering the coop. A small boardwalk or deck operates in the same way by providing a space for your chickens to wipe off their feet.

Clean the coop regularly

Keeping the chicken coop clean is essential to reducing unwanted odours and maintaining a healthy environment for your chickens. Here are some detailed tips to help you clean the coop regularly and effectively:

Develop a Regular Cleaning Schedule:

• Depending on the type of bedding you use, you should aim to replace or clean it at regular intervals. For shallow bedding, such as sand, replace it once a week and spray it with a mixture of vinegar and water to neutralise odours.
• For deep bedding, you can typically go for about a month without changing it. Turn the bedding regularly to promote airflow, prevent moisture build-up, and eliminate odours.
• Perform a deep clean of the entire coop every six months to disinfect and ensure a fresh-smelling environment.

Control Moisture:

• Moisture is the primary cause of ammonia, which is responsible for the pungent smell in chicken coops. Limit moisture by using absorbent bedding, fixing any leaks, and ensuring water dispensers are not leaking or incorrectly positioned.
• Consider using a dehumidifier, especially in humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air.

Improve Air Circulation:

• Install a fan, such as a box fan or an oscillating mounted fan, to circulate the air and remove odours. Ensure the fan is set to a low speed to maintain comfort for your chickens.
• Create proper ventilation by installing vents or windows at higher levels to allow for natural airflow while also considering predator protection and cold weather.

Use Natural Deodorisers:

• Sprinkle fresh herbs, such as mint or rosemary, in the nesting and sleeping areas. These herbs not only provide a pleasant aroma but also act as natural pest repellents and healthy snacks for your chickens.
• Use enzymatic treatments specifically designed to break down enzymes in chicken faeces, thereby neutralising odours. Ensure you choose veterinarian-approved treatments.
• Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is another natural deodoriser that eliminates moisture and dries out insects and other pests.

Choose the Right Bedding:

• Avoid using straw or hay as bedding, as they trap moisture and provide a conducive environment for bacteria to grow.
• Opt for absorbent and odour-controlling bedding materials such as pine shavings or sand. These options are easier to clean and help manage moisture effectively.

Remember, a clean chicken coop is essential for the health and well-being of your chickens and can help prevent the spread of diseases. By following these tips, you can effectively mitigate unpleasant aromas and create a pleasant environment for your feathered friends.

Use herbs and other plants

Herbs and plants are a fantastic natural way to mitigate aroma in chicken coops. They can also nourish your birds, repel bugs and mice, and make your coop smell better than it’s ever smelled before.

Lavender is a natural insect repellent with a calming scent that can help to reduce stress in your chickens. The aromatic scent of lavender can create a peaceful atmosphere in the coop, which is especially beneficial during times of high stress. You can hang dried lavender bundles in the coop or sprinkle lavender essential oil or dried flowers and leaves onto their bedding.

Lemon balm is a natural rodent deterrent with a calming scent. You can dry this herb and leave it near your coop's nest box, creating a pleasant aroma for both you and your flock. Lemon balm can also be fed fresh or dried to your chickens to help prevent diseases such as E. coli, salmonella, or avian flu.

Rosemary is another herb that naturally repels insects and can help strengthen the respiratory health of your flock. You can dry and hang twigs inside your coop or sprinkle the clippings generously in nest boxes. Rosemary is easy and inexpensive to grow and can also be added to your chicken's feed.

Mint is a refreshing herb that can help mask any unpleasant odours in the chicken coop. It acts as a natural insect repellent, deterring pests like flies and mosquitoes. Mint is easy to grow and can be planted near the coop or hung in dried bundles.

Oregano is an herb that can boost your chicken's immune system and help fight off E. coli, coccidiosis, salmonella, and avian flu. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to your chicken's feed. Oregano is also being studied as a natural antibiotic on large-scale poultry farms.

When using herbs in your chicken coop, it's important to choose the right herbs, place them correctly, and rotate and replenish them regularly. Aromatic herbs should be kept out of your chicken's reach, while edible herbs can be mixed into their feed or placed in the run for them to peck at.

Use an enzymatic treatment

Using Enzymatic Treatment to Mitigate Aroma in Chicken Coops

Enzymatic treatments are an effective way to neutralise odours in chicken coops by breaking down the enzymes in chicken faeces. This method is especially useful if there is a strong smell of ammonia in the coop.

Firstly, it is important to purchase a veterinarian-approved enzymatic treatment. One example is the Absolutely Clean Chicken Coop Cleaner and Deodorizer, which is a natural enzyme cleaner that can be attached to a hose and sprayed onto the walls and floor of the coop. After letting the treatment sit for a few minutes, rinse the coop and let it dry.

This method is also suitable for cleaning other outdoor areas, such as yards, barns, and bird cages. It is important to note that enzymatic treatments should not be used as a replacement for regular cleaning and maintenance of the chicken coop.

In addition to enzymatic treatments, there are several other ways to mitigate aroma in chicken coops, including circulating air in the coop, removing excess water and moisture, regular cleaning, and using fresh herbs in nesting and sleeping areas.

Frequently asked questions