For many backyard chicken keepers, collecting clean eggs is a top priority. However, several factors influence how clean your eggs will be. The systems you set up in your coop and run—such as nesting material , litter , and droppings boards —play a key role in ensuring consistently clean eggs. Quick Tips for Collecting Clean Eggs Use sand for litter  to help clean hens’ feet before they enter the nest boxes. Install droppings boards under roosts  to reduce manure buildup.