Quick Answer

Clean your Half Moon chicken coop by removing bedding, scrubbing the removable plastic liner and nest boxes, then disinfecting and drying before adding fresh bedding.

Why the Half Moon Coop Makes Cleaning Easier

The Half Moon chicken coop features a thick plastic liner that can be removed and washed, which simplifies one of the messiest parts of coop cleaning. This design helps prevent moisture from soaking into the wood, reducing odour and extending the coop's life. The integrated run and double nest box still need regular attention, but the liner saves you time on scrubbing.

Tools You'll Need

Gather a stiff-bristled brush, a bucket of warm soapy water (mild dish soap works well), a garden hose or sprayer, rubber gloves, a scraper or putty knife, and a disinfectant safe for poultry (like a diluted vinegar solution or a commercial coop cleaner). Have fresh wood shavings or straw ready for after cleaning.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Routine

  1. Remove chickens and accessories: Move your chickens to a secure temporary area. Take out feeders, waterers, and any removable perches or roosts. A common mistake is leaving chickens in the run while you clean—they can inhale dust and get stressed.
  2. Strip out old bedding and scrape debris: Scoop out all soiled bedding and droppings from the coop floor, nest boxes, and run. Use a scraper to loosen caked-on mess. Check corners and under the nest boxes—droppings often hide there and can cause ammonia buildup.
  3. Remove and wash the plastic liner: Take out the thick plastic liner from the coop floor. Wash it with warm soapy water and a brush, then rinse thoroughly with a hose. Let it dry completely before reinstalling. Don't skip drying the liner—moisture trapped underneath can lead to mould and wood rot.
  4. Scrub nest boxes and interior walls: Using a brush and soapy water, scrub the nest boxes and interior wood surfaces. Pay special attention to the nest box corners where mites and droppings accumulate. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach full-strength—they can linger and harm chickens. Dilute or use a poultry-safe cleaner.
  5. Disinfect and rinse all surfaces: Apply a poultry-safe disinfectant to the coop interior, nest boxes, and run. Let it sit for the recommended time (usually 10–15 minutes), then rinse with clean water. Over-rinsing is fine—any disinfectant residue can irritate chickens' respiratory systems.
  6. Dry completely and add fresh bedding: Allow the coop to air-dry with the door open for at least an hour. Once dry, replace the liner, add fresh wood shavings or straw, and return accessories and chickens. Putting chickens back into a damp coop encourages mould and respiratory issues—patience with drying pays off.

  • Half Moon (NEW!): The Half Moon coop includes a thick plastic liner that can be easily removed and washed. This liner prevents waste from soaking into the wood, making deep cleaning faster and reducing odour buildup between cleanings.

    Half Moon (NEW!)

    Half Moon (NEW!)