Article: Chicken Coop Litter Shelf & Storage Area | Building Plans For a Cleaner, Roomier, and Happier Coop
Chicken Coop Litter Shelf & Storage Area | Building Plans For a Cleaner, Roomier, and Happier Coop
Keeping your chicken coop clean and organized doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With our updated chicken coop litter shelf and storage area, you can streamline cleaning, provide extra space for your flock, and even create a safe area for baby chicks.
In this guide, I’ll share the step-by-step details of our upgraded litter shelf and storage area design and offer FREE building plans to help you create a coop that’s easier to maintain and more enjoyable for you and your chickens.
If you're looking to build a litter shelf & Storage area in your own coop, we have the building plans for you!
Simply fill out the form below, and I'll send the FREE plans straight to your inbox
Why a Chicken Coop Litter Shelf and Storage Area is Essential For Your Coop
If you’re new to litter shelves, here’s why they’re a game-changer:
- Cleaner Floors : Droppings fall directly onto the litter shelf, keeping the coop floor cleaner.
- Keeps Chicken's Feet Clean : Chickens tend to hop from roost to roost instead of walking on the litter shelf, keeping the droppings from getting stuck to their feet.
- Easy Cleaning : Focus cleanup on one area instead of the entire floor.
- Healthier Chickens : A clean environment reduces moisture, odors, infections and pests.
- Optimized Space : Use the area under the shelf for tool and bedding storage or chick integration.
When designed well, a litter shelf and storage area saves time, reduces stress, and keeps your chickens happier.
What’s New in Our Litter Shelf and Storage Area Design?
We’ve made two key upgrades to our litter shelf and storage area setup to improve functionality and efficiency:
1. Deeper Litter Shelf to add a 3rd Roosting Bar
The litter shelf is now just under 4 feet deep, allowing for:
- A third roosting bar : More space for chickens to perch comfortably at night.
- Better containment of droppings: Keeps everything neatly on the shelf.
This is perfect for flocks of 8-12 chickens —no more crowding or disagreements over the best spot!
2. Removable Storage Wall Under the Litter Shelf
The new storage wall creates a dual-purpose space under the litter shelf:
- Organized Storage : Use it to store bedding, waste buckets, and tools.
- Safe Integration for Baby Chicks : Create a secure, enclosed area for chicks to adjust to the flock gradually.
The wall is removable, so cleaning the space under the shelf is super easy.
Step-by-Step: How We Use & Maintain the Shelf
Keeping the litter shelf clean and functional is simple with this routine:
1. Daily Morning Scoop
- Use a sand-based bedding for the shelf—it’s siftable and prevents moisture buildup.
- Scoop out droppings quickly with a sifting shovel like our Coop Scoop™
2. Seasonal Deep Cleaning
- Replace all bedding and wipe down the shelf with water and vinegar.
- Sweep and clean out under the shelf.
- Waterproof vinyl flooring makes cleaning a breeze!
3. Organize the Storage Area
- Use buckets or bins to store tools, bedding, and supplies neatly.
- Clean and disinfect the space with vinegar spray when using it for chick integration.
What Type of Litter to Use on the Shelf
Choosing the right litter for your shelf can make all the difference when it comes to cleaning and keeping the coop fresh. Here’s a breakdown of the best options, their pros, and what to consider:
1. Coffee Bedding ☕
- Pros : A great dust-free option when first added.
- Cons : It does break down over time, becoming dusty, it's hard to find in-stock and it come sometimes attract insects.
- Notes : Lightweight and easy to work with, but may need regular replacement to prevent dust accumulation.
2. Dustless Sand 🏖️
- Pros : A truly dust-free option that’s easy to sift, making daily cleanups a breeze.
- Cons : Sand does not retain moisture, so you’ll need an additional substrate to soak up liquids. It also can not be composted, making disposal more difficult.
- Notes : Combine sand with absorbent materials like hemp for better moisture control.
3. Coconut Litter 🥥
- Pros : Another dust-free option that works well initially.
- Cons : Like coffee bedding, it can break down and become dusty over time. It’s also lighter, making it a bit trickier to clean with tools like the Coop Scoop™.
- Notes : Inconsistent quality can be a concern—some batches arrive dust-free, while others are quite dusty straight out of the bag.
4. Fine Hemp Bedding (Grubbly Farms) 🌿
- Pros : A soft, absorbent, and naturally low-dust option that performs well on litter shelves.
- Cons : Slightly more expensive than some other bedding choices.
- Notes : Fine hemp holds moisture well, making it a good pairing with sand or for use on its own.
What’s the Best Choice?
I personally choose a balanced litter shelf setup that consists of :
- Use dustless sand as the base for easy daily scooping.
- Combine with hemp bedding or another absorbent option to manage moisture effectively.
Each litter has its strengths, so choose the one that best suits your cleaning routine, budget, and coop environment.
Benefits of This Setup for Your Flock
Our new design isn’t just for convenience—it directly improves the lives of your chickens:
✅ More Comfortable Roosting : The third bar reduces crowding and stress.
✅ Cleaner Living Space : Less ammonia, odor, and bacteria.
✅ Safer Chick Integration : Introduce chicks slowly in a secure, separate area.
It’s a win-win for you and your flock!
How to Adapt This Setup for Your Coop
Our plans are designed for a 4x8 coop , but they’re easy to adjust for any size. Here are some tips:
- Measure Carefully : Customize the shelf depth and width for your space.
- Choose Quality Materials : Use sturdy kiln-dried pine and waterproof vinyl for durability.
- Customize the Wall : Hinges or brackets make the storage wall removable.
- Think Multi-Purpose : Use the under-shelf space for storage, chicks, or even extra nesting boxes.
This upgraded litter shelf and storage wall have made cleaning and organizing our coop easier than ever. It’s a simple project with big rewards: cleaner coops, happier chickens, and less work for you.
Cheers to happy hens and pretty-practical chicken keeping!
Get Your FREE Building Plans
Ready to upgrade your coop with this efficient litter shelf and storage setup? Simply fill out the form below to download our FREE step-by-step building plans and get started today!
Share Your Progress & Join the Community
We’d love to see how you bring this design to life in your coop! Share your build and tag us on Instagram @bee.jeweled.coop —your creativity inspires us and the whole chicken-keeping community.
Disclaimer: Transparency matters! If you click on any links in this post and make a purchase, please know that we may have an affiliate connection with the company. This could mean we earn a commission. Thank you for your support ♥
