If your hens suddenly stop laying, the first thing you might check is their feed. But one often overlooked cause of reduced egg production is right under their feet: a dirty chicken coop.

As a long-time chicken keeper, I’ve seen firsthand how a messy, neglected coop can directly affect egg laying. Chickens are creatures of habit and comfort. When their environment is unclean, stressful, or unhealthy, laying eggs often takes a back seat.

Let’s dive into the most common questions about this topic and how to fix it—naturally.

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Q: Do dirty coops affect egg production?

A: Yes, absolutely. A dirty coop creates stress and health risks for your flock. Chickens will stop laying if they don’t feel safe, clean, and calm. Accumulated droppings can release ammonia, attract pests, and harbor bacteria—all things that stress out your hens and discourage them from laying eggs.

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Q: Why did my chickens suddenly stop laying eggs?

A: There are many reasons, but a dirty coop is one of the top environmental causes. When hens are surrounded by filth, it disrupts their laying rhythm. If their nesting areas are soiled or smell strongly of ammonia, they may avoid laying altogether.

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Q: Can ammonia buildup in the coop harm my hens?

A: Yes. Ammonia from accumulated droppings irritates your chickens’ respiratory systems and eyes. Over time, this weakens their immune system and overall health, which can reduce or completely stop egg production.

To help neutralize odor and improve air quality naturally, I recommend using dried herbs like lavender, chamomile, and peppermint (all found in my Nesting Box Herbs) throughout the coop and nesting boxes.

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Q: Does cleanliness impact hen stress levels?

A: Absolutely. Hens are sensitive to stress, and stress is one of the biggest culprits behind egg production issues. Dirty, smelly, or overcrowded conditions heighten stress levels and make hens feel unsafe.

Calming herbs like lemon balm, marjoram, and chamomile help create a peaceful environment. Sprinkling them in nesting boxes supports relaxation, which is essential for laying.

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Q: How often should I clean the chicken coop to keep hens healthy?

A: For most backyard flocks, a good schedule is:

• Spot clean daily or every other day
• Change bedding weekly
• Deep clean monthly (scrub, sanitize, and refresh everything)

Between deep cleans, sprinkling herbs like rosemary and mint helps repel pests and keeps the coop smelling fresh.

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Q: Can dirty nesting boxes cause hens to stop laying?

A: Yes. Hens want a safe, clean, and cozy place to lay. If nesting boxes are full of droppings, infested with mites, or smell foul, your chickens may lay elsewhere—or not at all.

Add a soft layer of clean straw and top it with a sprinkle of Nesting Box Herbs to naturally repel bugs and provide a calming scent.

Nesting Box Herbs-Our #1 Best Seller!

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Q: Do chickens refuse to lay in dirty or crowded boxes?

A: Chickens are picky about where they lay. If one box is crowded or messy, the entire flock may avoid all the boxes.

General rule: one nesting box for every 3-4 hens. Rotate and refresh herbs like fennel seed and marigold to encourage use.

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Q: What are the signs my coop is too dirty for egg laying?

A: Common signs include:

• Foul odors (ammonia, rot)
• Flies or pests in the coop
• Dirty feathers or eggs
• Hens laying in odd spots (corners, outdoors)
• Sudden egg production drop

If you notice these signs, it’s time to deep clean and refresh the coop with clean bedding and herbs.

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Q: Can pests like mites or lice from dirty coops cause hens to stop laying?

A: Definitely. Mites and lice thrive in dirty conditions and cause discomfort, anemia, and irritation. Stressed, itchy hens don’t lay well.

Use herbs with natural pest-repellent properties like rosemary, peppermint, and lavender in dust baths and nesting areas to help deter these bugs.

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Q: How do I keep nesting boxes clean and inviting for hens?

A:

• Remove soiled bedding daily
• Use soft, dry straw or shavings
• Add Nesting Box Herbs for pest control, calming scent, and cleanliness
• Replace herbs weekly or as needed

Hens are more likely to lay consistently when they feel relaxed and safe in their box.

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Q: What natural products can I use to keep the coop fresh and bug-free?

A: Herbal blends like my Nesting Box Herbs and Cooling Herbs for Chickens are great choices. They contain natural ingredients that:

• Repel pests
• Absorb moisture
• Calm hens
• Freshen the air

Other natural coop helpers include:

• Diatomaceous earth (used carefully)
• White vinegar spray for deep cleaning
• Herbs like mint, lemon balm, and rosemary sprinkled in bedding

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Q: Can bad coop conditions lead to egg eating or laying outside the box?

A: Yes. If hens can’t find a clean, quiet place to lay, they may drop eggs on the ground, which can lead to breakage and egg eating.

Prevent this by keeping boxes clean, dark, and appealing. Add herbs like marjoram and lavender to create a relaxing, egg-friendly space.

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Q: Does odor or dampness in the coop stress chickens out?

A: Strong odors like ammonia and excess moisture increase stress and invite disease. Ventilation and absorbent herbs help keep the coop dry and breathable.

Sprinkle fennel seed and rose petals into bedding to add a gentle fragrance and reduce moisture naturally.

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Q: Can herbs help keep the coop cleaner and support laying?

A: 100%! Herbs are one of my favorite ways to naturally support egg production. Not only do they keep the environment fresh and pest-free, but they also offer:

• Stress reduction (chamomile, lemon balm)
• Pest repellent benefits (rosemary, peppermint)
• Egg-laying support (fennel seed, marjoram)

My Nesting Box Herbs blend combines these into an easy-to-use, flock-safe mix that your hens will love.

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Q: What’s the best coop cleaning routine to encourage egg production?

A:

1. Daily: Remove droppings, refresh water, check nesting boxes
2. Weekly: Change bedding, add fresh herbs, check for pests
3. Monthly: Deep clean floors, roosts, and corners with vinegar solution
4. Seasonally: Inspect and improve ventilation, lighting, and predator proofing

Finish every clean with a sprinkle of herbs in the nesting boxes for comfort, scent, and health.

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Q: Is the Smell of Ammonia Harmful to Chickens?

A: Yes, the smell of ammonia is more than unpleasant—it’s dangerous. Ammonia forms when droppings break down and is highly irritating to a chicken’s respiratory system.

Even low levels can cause eye irritation, coughing, sneezing, and a weakened immune response. Over time, this can lead to a drop in egg production and an increase in illness. If you can smell ammonia, it’s already too strong for your chickens.

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Q: What is the Acceptable Ammonia Level in a Chicken Coop?

A: Ideally, ammonia levels should be below 10 ppm (parts per million). Levels over 25 ppm can start to affect chicken health, while anything above 50 ppm is considered hazardous.

If you don’t have a meter, use your nose—if you detect a sharp, pungent smell, it’s time to clean.

Proper ventilation and absorbent bedding, along with moisture-absorbing herbs like lavender, peppermint, and chamomile, can help prevent buildup.

Nesting Box Herbs-Our #1 Best Seller!

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Q: Signs of Ammonia Toxicity in Chickens

A: Common signs your chickens may be suffering from ammonia exposure include:

• Watery eyes or swollen eyelids
• Sneezing or nasal discharge
• Gasping or open-mouth breathing
• Lethargy or reduced activity
• A sudden drop in egg production

If you notice these symptoms, act fast. Clean the coop thoroughly, improve airflow, and add herbs with respiratory-supportive benefits, like rosemary and peppermint, to help ease symptoms naturally.

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Q: Ammonia Burns on Chicken Feet

A: Constant exposure to damp, ammonia-soaked litter can cause burns and sores on a chicken’s feet, commonly known as footpad dermatitis. These burns can become infected and painful, reducing mobility and overall hen wellness.

This discomfort alone can cause a decline in egg laying.

Keep litter dry and change it regularly, and consider mixing in herbs like marigold and calendula, which have natural skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Q: What to Do if Your Chicken Coop Smells Like Ammonia

A: If your coop smells like ammonia, take these steps immediately:

1. Remove soiled bedding and droppings
2. Scrub and sanitize roosts, nesting boxes, and floors
3. Improve ventilation—open windows or install vents
4. Replace bedding with clean, dry materials
5. Sprinkle herbal blends like my Nesting Box Herbs to absorb moisture, freshen the air, and support respiratory health
6. Consider adding herbs with antimicrobial properties like rosemary and peppermint to nesting boxes and coop corners

Frequent maintenance and herbal support will help you stay ahead of odor and keep your flock healthy and productive.

Final Thoughts

Yes, chickens can stop laying if the coop is dirty. But the fix is simple: clean regularly and add a natural boost with herbs that support a clean, calm, and healthy coop environment.

Want an easy way to start? Try my Nesting Box Herbs or Cooling Herbs for Chickens to freshen up your flock’s home and help bring those eggs back!