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We use all-natural homemade cleaners around our homestead. I set time aside each month to whip up big batches of everything from pine cleaner to laundry detergent. So it should come as no surprise to our followers that we don’t want to use chemicals around our flock anymore than we do around our house. That’s why I created this Orange Cinnamon Chicken Coop Cleaner to tackle one of the messiest jobs on the homestead.
Why Can’t I Just Use Bleach
It’s a well-known fact that chickens have fragile respiratory systems. Many standard cleaning products could cause them irritation or worse. But bleach is one of the most dangerous chemicals you could use around your flock. Chicken droppings are filled with ammonia. Mixing ammonia with bleach or any product that contains bleach creates chloramine gas, which can be deadly to both you and your flock. On the other hand, the ingredients in our Chicken Coop Cleaner are non-toxic and likely already in your kitchen.
Orange Peels
Aside from the wonderful smell of oranges, citrus oil is a natural solvent and a natural deterrent for ants and other pests. If you don’t have oranges on hand, you can substitute other citrus peels like lemon or lime.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another pantry staple that does more than taste nice. In addition to its pleasant aroma, cinnamon oil kills mosquito larvae; furthermore, both snakes and ants shy away from it.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a safe and natural disinfectant with antibacterial properties. It also kills mold and repels ants. If the smell of vinegar isn’t your thing, you can substitute vodka for the vinegar, as it has many of the same cleaning properties.
A note about apple cider vinegar. While apple cider may be your go-to in the kitchen and the perfect healthy additive to your chicken's water dish, steer clear of ACV when creating cleaning products because it can attract ants.
How to Make Orange Cinnamon Chicken Coop Cleaner
This DIY cleaner is a cinch to make with basic kitchen tools. All you need is a jar with a lid, a strainer, and some time.
Ingredients:
The peels from 2 oranges or lemons (or 3 limes)
One cinnamon stick
White vinegar
The Method:
Add the orange peels and cinnamon stick to the bottom of your jar (you may want to break the stick in half first). Pour enough vinegar over the peels to fill the jar to within 1” of the top.
Screw on your lid, give your jar a good shake, and place it in a sunny window to macerate for 2-4 weeks, giving it a shake every day or two.
Before you can consider your cleaner done, the solution should take on a deeper color, and the vinegar smell should have dissipated. Once ready, strain the solids from the jar. Bottle the liquid and compost or dispose of the solids.
That’s it; you’re ready to clean your coop with a safe, natural cleaner that’s good for you, good for them, and good for the planet, too!
To Use:
For ease, transfer your cleaner to a spray bottle. You can use the cleaner at full strength in the coop or dilute it 50/50 with water for a milder cleaner.
If you whip up a batch of this safe and natural cleaner for your chicken coop, tell us all about it in the comments below, and until next time,
