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One of the big draws for mobile chicken coops is how little maintenance they require over a year. Moving them around really cuts back on some of the detrimental effects chickens can have on a coop.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free, and once a year, we highly recommend going through our mobile chicken coop checklist.
Every spring, make sure you do the following to keep your chicken coop in the best shape possible for your flock for many years to come.
First, it’s always best to start off with a basic clean-up of the whole coop. This will help dramatically with preventing the most common types of corrosion and degradation, but it also makes it a lot easier for you to perform the other steps on this checklist since you can see what you’re dealing with. Dirt, grime, and other things can cover up the fine details you’ll be looking for.
This is relatively simple, though. You’ll want to get the chickens out of the coop during the process, but some gentle soap, a hose, and a sponge will get the job done without damaging anything, and it won’t take more than half an hour to get the coop squeaky clean.
During this process, remove any attached food devices, water systems, etc. You’ll want to wash each of those thoroughly while you clean the coop. You already have everything out to do it, after all.
A good place to start your inspection of the coop is its wheels. The wheels on your coop are a big reason it’s so easy to move around, and if they’re starting to have problems, you’re going to notice it pretty quickly.
Unlike most other wheels, you don’t have to worry about things such as treat quality. Just make sure they’re properly inflated if they’re inflated wheels, the rims and spokes are in good condition and free of rust so they can hold up the weight of the coop reliably, and the rubber isn’t cracking or aging to the point that it’s likely to fail soon.
99% of the time, your wheels are going to be just fine outside of maybe needing to be aired up.
If you do notice any issues that show more extensive maintenance is going to be needed, start planning out a maintenance service or a replacement as soon as you notice it to avoid delays later.
Your mobile chicken coop uses a vinyl roof. It’s extremely durable, and it’s made to last at least 10 years if you keep it clean and don’t have any unavoidable issues such as storm damage.
However, you still want to inspect it regularly to ensure it’s holding up.
The cleanliness of the roof should have been handled in the first step. So, we’ll assume that’s perfectly clean and free of any debris already.
Now, look for tears, holes, or other issues both in the main part of the roof and around the connection points where it attaches to the coop itself.
Damage tends to worsen as wind, rain, and other things put more strain on the material and make the small issues worse. Fixing the roof and addressing important maintenance tasks will help keep your chickens warm during the colder months. If possible, consider patching up small issues as you come across them.
However, if the roof is in bad shape, or it’s at its 10-year lifespan, it’s best to place an order for a new one and start the year off right. You don’t want a big windstorm to rip a tattered roof right off in the middle of the year and suddenly need a roof on short notice.
One of the best features of our mobile chicken coops is the assisted lifting system that makes it incredibly easy to raise the coop for movement and lower it when it’s time to get the flock in place.
However, for that system to function with the ease that our coops are known for, it does require a small amount of maintenance. It’s not a complicated mechanical system. So, you shouldn’t have to worry about failures or anything like that.
Just take some time to look over the various parts and make sure they’re free of built-up debris and dirt so everything can function as it’s supposed to. Lift and lower the coop a few times to make sure it’s working well, and if everything checks out, you’re good to go.
If not, some finer detail cleaning should do the trick unless there’s an obvious mechanical malfunction. In that case, it’s time to give us a call.
Our coops are made from heavy-duty pipe for the framing and lined with extra-strong wiring to provide a free-range experience. This setup lasts an incredibly long time, but damage can occur over the years. Prompt repairs are important to ensure your chickens stay safe from potential predators.
The pipe frame is likely going to be in perfect condition. Just make sure it’s not rusty or in need of minor maintenance.
For the wire, ensure that it’s free of holes or other damage that predators can use to work their way into your coop.
If there are any points of damage, you can repair the little things with ease, or call our team for the bigger issues.
After you’ve taken care of the coop itself, you’re almost done. Just make sure to wash out all of the food dispensers, water systems, and similar things that the chickens use, and inspect them for any damage.
This spring cleaning process is the perfect time to replace feed buckets that have been damaged, perform minor repairs on the little things, and otherwise make sure the chickens are good for the rest of the year.
If everything is ready to go, get it back in the coop just the way your flock likes it, and you’ve done everything you need to do for a smooth year of operation. Just don’t forget to periodically clean the coop and inspect if for damage as necessary.
Whether you've just completed your spring maintenance routine and discovered an issue or you're looking to invest in a brand-new mobile chicken coop, Chicken Ranger has got you covered.
We offer a range of top-quality mobile chicken coops, built by farmers, for farmers. With sizes ranging from 6x8 to 10x12 and 12x12, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your flock's needs.
Our coops are designed for durability, functionality, and convenience, ensuring your chickens are safe and comfortable. Contact us today, and let us help you create the best living environment for your chickens.