Maintain a clean and dry environment

Keep housing, bedding, and runs clean and dry through regular maintenance. Remove soiled bedding and droppings frequently, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, and fix any water leaks or drainage issues promptly.

Why It Works

Damp, dirty conditions are breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and parasites like coccidia. Ammonia from wet manure accumulates in poorly ventilated coops and causes severe respiratory damage — chickens are especially vulnerable because their respiratory systems are highly efficient at absorbing airborne particles.

Tips

• The deep litter method works well for chicken coops: add fresh bedding on top and do a full cleanout 2-4 times per year
• If you can smell ammonia at animal level, ventilation is inadequate
• Rabbit hutches need cleaning at least twice weekly to prevent fly strike and sore hocks