Keeping a chicken coop clean is one of the most important tasks for any chicken owner. While there are many different types of bedding that can be used in a coop, sand is a popular choice for its natural absorbency and low cost.
However, one challenge that comes with using sand as a bedding is the task of cleaning it.
In this article, we will explore some of the best tools and techniques for scooping poop out of a sand-filled chicken coop.
Whether you are a seasoned chicken owner or just starting out, these tips will help make coop cleaning a breeze. So, grab your scoops and let’s get started!
Kids Metal Rake
One tool that I find very useful is a kid’s metal rake. It has the perfect size tines to sift through the sand and scoop up the poop. I use this rake to rake the poo to the door and even use it to pull nesting boxes closer to collect eggs and shake the debris off the nesting box pads. I then have a bucket that I place the sifted poop into. This method works well for me, but it may not be suitable for those with larger coops.
Kitty Litter Scooper
Another tool that works great is a kitty litter scooper. This is perfect for smaller areas, but we only have sand in the coop, not the run, so it’s not as efficient for larger areas. Nonetheless, it is a very effective tool, especially when you need to clean up small spots.
Long Handle Kitty Litter Scooper
Similar to the regular kitty litter scooper, this tool has a long handle, making it easier to reach those hard-to-get spots. I find this tool especially useful when I’m cleaning the edges of the coop where the walls meet the sand floor.
Round Sifting Bowl
I’ve seen some backyard chicken keepers use a round sifting bowl to scoop up the poop. This tool works by placing the sand and poop into the bowl, then shaking it in a circular motion, which allows the sand to sift through the holes while the poop stays in the bowl. This is a useful tool for those who have a smaller coop or a smaller amount of sand to sift through.
Long Hand Sand Sifter
If you’re looking for a more heavy-duty tool, you may want to consider a long hand sand sifter used for metal detecting at the beach. This tool is similar to the round sifting bowl, but it’s larger and has longer handles, making it easier to use in a larger coop.
Custom-made Tools
Some backyard chicken keepers get creative and make their own custom-made tools. For example, my husband created a few different scoops and rakes using materials we had around the house. One scoop he made had a long handle and a mesh bottom, allowing the sand to sift through while the poop stayed on top. Another tool he made was a rake with a mesh bottom and a handle that can be adjusted to different lengths.
Hay Pitch Fork Wrapped with Hardwire Cloth
One creative solution I’ve seen is to take a hay pitchfork and wrap it with hardwire cloth, then zip tie it together. This creates a faster and more efficient tool that can scoop up larger amounts of poop.
Shovel with Holes Throughout
Another tool I’ve seen used is a shovel with holes throughout the blade. This allows the sand to sift through while the poop stays on top. This is a useful tool for larger areas that need to be cleaned quickly.
In conclusion, there are various tools and techniques that can be used to scoop up poop in a sand-based coop. It’s essential to find a tool that works for your specific needs and the size of your coop. Some tools work better for smaller areas, while others are more efficient for larger areas. It’s also important to keep in mind that some tools may require more physical effort than others. Ultimately, finding the right tool will make cleaning your coop a more manageable and less time-consuming task.
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