Why Your Chicken Coop Smells Like Ammonia (and How to Fix It)
- The Hen’s Pen
- May 31
- 2 min read
Introduction
A strong ammonia smell in a chicken coop is one of the most common problems faced by backyard chicken owners and small poultry farms in Australia. It is usually a sign that moisture, manure, and ventilation are not properly balanced.
If left untreated, ammonia buildup can affect both bird health and coop hygiene.
What Causes Ammonia Smell in Chicken Coops?
Ammonia smell is produced when chicken manure breaks down under moist conditions.
H3: 1. Wet bedding
When bedding becomes damp, manure decomposes faster and releases ammonia gas.
H3: 2. Poor ventilation
Without airflow, ammonia gas becomes trapped inside the coop.
H3: 3. Manure buildup
Infrequent cleaning allows waste to accumulate and accelerate odour formation.
H3: 4. Overcrowding
Too many chickens in a small space increases waste production beyond what bedding can handle.
How to Fix Chicken Coop Smell (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Remove wet bedding immediately
Replace any damp or heavily soiled bedding to stop ammonia production at the source.
Step 2 – Improve bedding system
Use absorbent materials such as:
Sand
Pine wood shavings
Hemp bedding
These help lock moisture away from manure.
Step 3 – Add moisture control minerals
Diatomaceous earth (DE) can be applied lightly to:
Reduce moisture
Improve dryness in bedding
Help limit insect activity in organic material
Step 4 – Improve airflow
Ensure the coop has:
Roof ventilation
Side airflow gaps
No fully sealed sections
Air movement is essential to remove ammonia gas.
Step 5 – Maintain regularly
Stir bedding 2 times per week
Remove wet patches daily in warm weather
Fully refresh bedding every few months
Long-Term Solution for Ammonia Control
Short-term fixes reduce smell temporarily, but long-term control requires a stable bedding system designed to manage moisture and ammonia continuously.
This is especially important in humid Australian climates where ammonia builds up quickly.
Summary
A chicken coop smells like ammonia due to:
Moisture buildup
Manure decomposition
Poor ventilation
Lack of bedding management
You can fix it by:
Using dry absorbent bedding
Improving ventilation
Adding diatomaceous earth (DE)
Maintaining regular cleaning cycles
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