Smell issues go with chickens as much as poop-filled yards go with big dogs. Jeremy Chartier discussed why chicken coops smell and how to reduce the problem before neighbors complain.
. . . the most likely culprit is ammonia. Ammonia is a natural byproduct found in poultry manure and when in vapor form, smells incredibly strong and foul.
Consider this article for posts, social media and as a resource for customers who are getting into chicken raising.
Source: Countryside Daily, July 20, 2018. Link.
In the end, it’s all about litter management. If you can keep a deep, dry litter floor in your chicken coops, you should escape the majority of any potential ammonia smell. Just be forewarned that, even a well-managed litter pack has an occupancy limit, so be sure you’re not crowding your birds into a coop that’s just too small.