[Stemar]

How often should the hen house be cleaned thoroughly ie. with poultry shield and diatom. I have read such varying opinions ranging from once a week to once every 3 months. My OH thinks I am getting neurotic and says I spend more time cleaning chicken coop than I do our own house!  

I am worried about getting the dreaded red mite and would obviously rather prevent than have to cure. But I am very new to chicken keeping and I am not sure that I can keep up a weekly/fortnightly deep clean forever. Any advise from you old timers would be greatly appreciated.

Maria

[themagicaltoad1]

I do a daily poo pick up with a small beach spade, and a thorough sweep out renewing all the shavings from the coop & straw from the nest boxes about every fornight. It doesn't take more than about a half hour to do, I was doing it weekly but it really doesn't need it as they are only in the coop at bedtime. So far we've not had any red mites so I've not needed to treat for it.... yet. I also sweep out the run every few days. I have to say I've found them cleaner and less smelly than keeping a rabbit in a hutch!

[luicejony]

Keeping chicken coops clean is something that might require a lot of effort on your end if you haven't really gone in for the most appropriate model For instance the fact that there are specific types of chicken runs that can prove to be quite convenient for cleaning. A bi-weekly thorough cleaning schedule shall help you avoid your fears of red mite. But yes, you will need to do the poo picking every alternate day at least to ensure that the chicken coop and run is clean and free of such dirt that might cause that. 

[grinling]

you can check for red mite as they look like a grey smudge when empty and red dots when full of blood. Sliding the pophole will smear blood or run a gloved finger along perch ends.
I scrub down the coop in warmer weather as it needs to dry, but the run is hosed/brushed as and when needed.
I use hillfooter's slurry inside the hen house as well as the guinea pig house.

[Sassy]

Sluding a piece of white paper into cracks and crevices will show up any red mites as the paper will smear with red, chooks blood!

[Cameron231]

So I did research about chicken coop cleaning tips. I’ve found out that some people use vodka as the substitute for white vinegar because vodka is another fine natural cleanser. It not only repels insects but actually can kill them. It is also antibacterial, kills mold an unlike vinegar, it is odorless.