Summer
Heat management
- Provide shade & cross-breeze
- Add extra drinkers; refresh often
- Watch for panting & wings held out
Maintenance focus
- More frequent cleaning
- Algae check in drinkers
- Secure feed from insects
Madrid • ES
Free-range friendly
Care & Maintenance
Complete guide to caring for your FreshHub chicken coop with run — routines, deep cleans, predator-proofing and seasonal tweaks for Spain’s climate.
Essential care for a healthier flock
Consistent maintenance keeps hens healthy, eggs clean and the coop long-lasting. This guide covers daily routines, weekly deep cleans, monthly checks and seasonal adjustments tailored to Spanish homes and gardens.
We focus on ventilation, moisture control, safe hardware and run hygiene — the areas that matter most in Mediterranean summers and cooler continental winters.
→ Get a Personal Care Plan
Daily care routine
Simple tasks that prevent big problems later.
Morning (5–10 minutes)
- ✓ Check water levels & cleanliness
- ✓ Refill feed, clear spills
- ✓ Collect eggs from nesting box
- ✓ Quick health scan (eyes, comb, gait)
- ✓ Open coop & run; verify latches
Evening (5–10 minutes)
- ✓ Count hens; secure all doors
- ✓ Remove uneaten wet feed
- ✓ Check ventilation — no drafts on roosts
- ✓ Quick look for predator activity
Weekly maintenance
A focused hour now saves repairs later.
🧹
Deep clean
Remove soiled bedding, scrub tray & perches, refresh nesting material.
- Empty litter & scrape tray
- Wash with poultry-safe cleaner
- Dry before adding bedding
🔍
Structure check
Look for loose screws, warped timber, mesh gaps & sharp edges.
- Tighten hardware
- Inspect wire mesh & skirts
- Test all latches
💧
Water system
Scrub drinkers, check leaks & ensure easy access in the run.
- Sanitise containers
- Rinse thoroughly
- Confirm steady flow
🌿
Run hygiene
Rake droppings, check drainage and block digging spots.
- Clear standing water
- Trim vegetation
- Fill burrow attempts
Monthly deep maintenance
A thorough pass every 4–6 weeks maximises lifespan and safety of your FreshHub.
Hardware
- Tighten loose screws
- Lubricate hinges
- Re-seat misaligned latches
Weatherproofing
- Check seals & roof felt
- Touch up exposed timber
- Confirm drip edges
Ventilation
- Clear vents & screens
- Balance airflow (no drafts)
- Remove blockages
Security
- Inspect skirts & anchors
- Add extra locks if needed
- Review night routine
Pro tip
Keep a simple maintenance log (date, task, notes). Patterns in wear, leaks or predator visits become obvious and easier to fix early.
Seasonal care adjustments
Adapt routines for Spain’s summers, winters and shoulder seasons.
Winter
Cold protection
- Extra dry bedding, no drafts
- Keep coop dry; avoid condensation
- Check combs for frost nip in mountains
Maintenance focus
- Weatherproofing passes
- Drainage around coop
- Hinge & latch lubrication
Spring / Autumn
Transition checks
- Deep clean & reset bedding
- Repair winter wear
- Update predator barriers
Maintenance focus
- Full inspection & touch-ups
- Ventilation balance for mild temps
- Refresh dust-bath area
Health & safety
Clean, dry conditions and steady airflow are the pillars of a healthy coop. Combine with simple daily observation and you’ll catch issues early.
🩺 Monitoring
Behaviour & appetite
🥚 Eggs
Track production dips
🧪 Hygiene
Dry litter & clean water
🛡️ Safety
Night latch routine
Safety alert
Wear gloves & mask for deep cleans. Use poultry-safe disinfectants and keep ventilation open while surfaces dry.
Frequently asked questions
Care & maintenance — answered by FreshOrbit.
How often should I replace bedding completely?
+
Replace fully every 4–6 weeks depending on flock size and weather. In wet spells, change sooner
to prevent moisture and odour.
Which cleaning products are poultry-safe?
+
Diluted white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, plus reputable poultry disinfectants. Avoid bleach
residues; always rinse and dry.
How can I prevent predators?
+
Inspect mesh weekly, use lockable latches, keep perimeter clear, and add a buried skirt where
digging is common.
When should I call a professional?
+
For structural damage, electrical add-ons, or persistent flock health issues. We can help with
tailored plans for your space.
Need personalised care guidance?
Get advice tuned to your hens, your garden and your local weather in Spain.