7 Best Nesting Box Cleaning Supplies For Hygiene Old Farmers Swear By
Keep nesting boxes clean and hens healthy with these 7 farmer-approved supplies. Learn the simple, time-tested secrets to optimal coop hygiene.
You pull a beautiful, warm egg from the nesting box, only to find it smeared with manure and mud. It’s a frustrating moment that points to a bigger issue lurking in the coop. Keeping nesting boxes clean isn’t just about pretty eggs; it’s a cornerstone of flock health that you can’t afford to ignore.
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Why Clean Nesting Boxes Matter for Healthy Hens
A dirty nesting box is a breeding ground for problems. Bacteria, mites, and lice thrive in the warm, damp environment created by accumulated manure and broken eggs. Hens sitting in this filth can develop skin irritations, respiratory issues from ammonia buildup, and serious infections like vent gleet.
Cleanliness directly impacts the health of your eggs, and by extension, your family. Bacteria like Salmonella and E.coli on the shell can easily contaminate the egg’s contents once cracked. A clean box means cleaner eggs, which drastically reduces the risk of foodborne illness and saves you the chore of aggressively scrubbing every egg you collect.
Many people think a quick scoop of the old bedding is enough. The real issue is the biofilm of bacteria and caked-on organic matter that a simple scoop leaves behind. True hygiene requires scraping, scrubbing, and disinfecting to break the cycle of pathogens and pests that can take hold in your coop.
Think of it as preventative medicine for your flock. A few minutes of proper cleaning every few weeks saves you the heartache and cost of treating sick birds or, worse, losing them to a preventable illness. It’s one of the highest-return investments of time you can make on a small farm.
Red Devil 4-in-1 Tool: The Ultimate Scraper
Before you can disinfect, you have to get the gunk off. A simple putty knife works, but the Red Devil 4-in-1 painter’s tool is far superior for the job. Its stiff, sharp edge is perfect for scraping away dried manure and mud that’s practically glued to the wood.
The real magic is in its versatility. The pointed corner is designed for cleaning paint rollers, but it’s perfect for digging into the tight corners of a nesting box where filth accumulates. The curved cutout is great for scraping rounded perches or edges, and the flat end handles the main surfaces.
You’re not just buying a scraper; you’re buying efficiency. Instead of fumbling with multiple tools, you have one that does it all. This single tool drastically cuts down on the physical effort of the coop’s most unpleasant chore.
Virkon S Disinfectant for A True Deep Clean
Spraying a bit of vinegar and water just won’t cut it for a true deep clean. You need a disinfectant that eliminates viruses, bacteria, and fungi on contact. Virkon S is the gold standard for biosecurity and is trusted by veterinarians and farmers alike.
Virkon S is a broad-spectrum disinfectant that comes in a powder form you mix with water. It’s incredibly effective against the nasty pathogens that cause common chicken ailments, from avian influenza to coccidiosis. Unlike bleach, it works well in the presence of organic matter, meaning it’s more effective on surfaces that aren’t perfectly sterile.
Using it is simple. After scraping and scrubbing the nesting box, you spray the surfaces with the Virkon S solution and let it air dry completely. It’s crucial to remove the birds from the area during application and ensure the coop is well-ventilated until it’s dry. This step is the difference between a box that looks clean and one that is truly, biologically safe for your hens.
Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth for Pests
Get 4lbs of HARRIS Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth, a natural product with no additives, OMRI listed for organic use. Includes a powder duster for easy application.
Once your boxes are clean and dry, the next step is pest prevention. Mites and lice are a constant threat, causing stress, anemia, and reduced egg production. Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is an essential, non-chemical tool in this fight.
DE is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. On a microscopic level, the particles are very sharp. When mites, lice, or other insects with exoskeletons crawl through it, the DE scratches their waxy outer layer, causing them to dehydrate and die. It’s a mechanical killer, not a chemical one, so pests can’t build a resistance to it.
Always use "Food Grade" DE, not pool grade, which is chemically treated and harmful if inhaled. After the disinfectant has dried, use a duster or a shaker to apply a very fine layer of DE to the bottom and corners of the nesting box. A little goes a long way; you just want a light dusting, not a thick pile.
Libman Power Scrub Brush for Stubborn Messes
Sometimes, a scraper alone can’t get everything. For the caked-on, stubborn messes that get into the wood grain and corners, you need a seriously stiff brush. The Libman Power Scrub Brush, or a similar heavy-duty utility brush, provides the elbow grease your scraper can’t.
Look for a brush with a comfortable, ergonomic handle and stiff, resilient bristles. After you’ve scraped the big stuff, a quick scrub with a bit of water or a simple cleaning solution can lift the remaining grime. This preps the surface for the disinfectant to do its job properly.
This isn’t a tool you’ll use every time, but for those deep, seasonal clean-outs, it’s indispensable. It’s the difference between "good enough" and truly clean. Don’t skimp on a good brush; a flimsy one will just frustrate you.
Chapin 1-Gallon Sprayer for Easy Application
Get two Chapin 1-gallon sprayers for your lawn and garden needs. The translucent poly tank lets you easily monitor fluid levels, and the anti-clog filter ensures continuous spraying.
Applying disinfectants or pest treatments with a small spray bottle is a recipe for a cramped hand and uneven coverage. A simple 1-gallon pump sprayer, like those made by Chapin, is a game-changer. It turns a tedious task into a quick and efficient one.
You can mix your Virkon S solution directly in the tank, pump it a few times to pressurize it, and apply a consistent, even mist to all surfaces. The wand allows you to easily reach the back of nesting boxes and get into awkward angles without contorting yourself.
This tool isn’t just for nesting boxes. You can use it to apply pest treatments to the entire coop, sanitize waterers and feeders, or even for tasks in the garden. It’s a small investment that pays for itself in saved time and better results across your homestead.
Scratch and Peck Nesting Herbs for Freshness
After the heavy lifting of cleaning and disinfecting, adding a layer of nesting herbs is a wonderful finishing touch. It’s not just about making the coop smell nice; many traditional herbs have properties that benefit your flock. Brands like Scratch and Peck offer well-balanced, organic blends specifically for this purpose.
Herbs like lavender, chamomile, and mint are calming for hens, which can encourage them to lay in the boxes. Others, like calendula and wormwood, have been traditionally used to repel insects like mites and lice. While not a replacement for DE, they add another layer to your pest defense strategy.
Simply sprinkle a handful of the herbal blend into the nesting box before adding the final layer of shavings. The hens will mix it in themselves. It’s a small step that elevates the coop environment, making it a more pleasant place for both you and your birds.
Standlee Pine Shavings: The Best Final Layer
The final step is adding fresh, clean bedding. The right bedding keeps eggs clean, dry, and safe. While straw is a popular choice, it doesn’t absorb moisture well and can quickly become a compacted, moldy mat.
High-quality pine shavings, like those from Standlee, are a far better option. They are highly absorbent, pulling moisture from droppings and keeping the surface of the nesting box dry. The fluffy texture also provides a soft cushion for eggs, reducing the chance of cracks.
Make sure you choose shavings specifically intended for animal bedding, as these are screened to minimize dust, which can cause respiratory issues in chickens. A deep, 3-4 inch layer of fresh shavings provides a clean, comfortable, and inviting place for your hens to lay. This final touch ensures all your hard work cleaning pays off with pristine eggs.
Ultimately, these tools aren’t about achieving a sterile environment, but about creating a balanced, healthy one. A consistent routine with the right supplies is your best defense against disease and pests. It ensures your hens are healthy, and the eggs you gather are as clean and safe as they can be.
