A build up of moisture in the chicken coop overnight can occur in both hot and cold weather, and it is a serious problem.
The coops that are most likely to have wet walls are metal sheds, rather than the wooden varieties.This is because wood is able to absorb more and insulate better than metal. Timber is also less air tight, in most cases.
The coops that are most likely to have wet walls are metal sheds, rather than the wooden varieties.This is because wood is able to absorb more and insulate better than metal. Timber is also less air tight, in most cases.
- The main cause is lack of VENTILATION
- The problem is AMMONIA rising from the urates in their droppings
Combine lack of ventilation and urates with the body heat of the hens roosting together, their respiratory system can become overwhelmed, which can lead to sudden death of otherwise healthy birds.
Hens that are overcome by ammonia are usually docile with possible nasal discharge. This can clear up once they are taken out of the coop for the day.
In order to get condensation this must be a heat source, which are the hens; just as you would see if you left a hot cup of coffee next to a window in your house.
Summer and Winter require changes in ventilation.
In winter, there must still be air flow, although much more reduced than from summer.
NO VENTILATION OPTIONS IN THE COOP?
The design fault of many of the mass produced small wooden coops from Asia lack ventilation.
But alternations can be made the to door/window - remove the plastic window and install strong wire mesh (staple or nail on).
During winter this can be closed a little more with either a piece of taped cardboard or other material that works with the weather, if it is required.
Remember, any ventilation should NEVER be FULLY CLOSED.
Create ventilation where ever possible.
A window hole with aviary mesh attached to keep out predators is a great idea.
Alternatively, consider upgrading the type of coop that can give adequate ventilation throughout the year.
Hens that are overcome by ammonia are usually docile with possible nasal discharge. This can clear up once they are taken out of the coop for the day.
In order to get condensation this must be a heat source, which are the hens; just as you would see if you left a hot cup of coffee next to a window in your house.
Summer and Winter require changes in ventilation.
In winter, there must still be air flow, although much more reduced than from summer.
NO VENTILATION OPTIONS IN THE COOP?
The design fault of many of the mass produced small wooden coops from Asia lack ventilation.
But alternations can be made the to door/window - remove the plastic window and install strong wire mesh (staple or nail on).
During winter this can be closed a little more with either a piece of taped cardboard or other material that works with the weather, if it is required.
Remember, any ventilation should NEVER be FULLY CLOSED.
Create ventilation where ever possible.
A window hole with aviary mesh attached to keep out predators is a great idea.
Alternatively, consider upgrading the type of coop that can give adequate ventilation throughout the year.
METAL SHEDS
Metal is more prone to damp wall and dripping from the inside roof.
There are TWO (2) main reasons why metal sheds are prone to condensation.
Add ventilation holes
Ventilation holes can be created by using a tin snips or power tool designed for metal cutting.
Attach aviary wire mesh over the hole with a pot-rivet tool.
To create a sliding window to open and close for ventilation flow, use kitchen black-splash cut offs and two metal guides.
This can be achieved with both metal and wooden coops.
Not all wooden coops are good to alter. Homemade wooden coops are easier to retro fit windows into.
Flooring
If the coop has a solid floor of either concrete or pavers, it will make a difference if the shed is placed UPON the flooring first, rather than adding the floor AFTER the shed has been built.
This is because of the soil moisture that can also rise up within the shed.
A pre-laid solid floor will reduce condensation.
Sheds with a dirt floor have direct access to moisture, which may give a false-positive to the wetness created by ammonia.
Dripping ONLY from inside the roof is the main clue that it is the flooring.
Wet walls are the indicator that it is the rising ammonia from the poultry droppings, which a ventilation air flow issue.
RULE #1
Poultry sheds must have adequate ventilation. If there is any wetness on the walls and it the smell is strong in the morning (affecting the hens), the ventilation is poor and needs to be fixed urgently.
FURTHER READING
Secrets of Shed Building - https://www.secrets-of-shed-building.com/condensation-in-metal-sheds.html
Metal is more prone to damp wall and dripping from the inside roof.
There are TWO (2) main reasons why metal sheds are prone to condensation.
- Lack of ventilation
- Concrete floor is usually added after the shed is built
Add ventilation holes
Ventilation holes can be created by using a tin snips or power tool designed for metal cutting.
Attach aviary wire mesh over the hole with a pot-rivet tool.
To create a sliding window to open and close for ventilation flow, use kitchen black-splash cut offs and two metal guides.
This can be achieved with both metal and wooden coops.
Not all wooden coops are good to alter. Homemade wooden coops are easier to retro fit windows into.
Flooring
If the coop has a solid floor of either concrete or pavers, it will make a difference if the shed is placed UPON the flooring first, rather than adding the floor AFTER the shed has been built.
This is because of the soil moisture that can also rise up within the shed.
A pre-laid solid floor will reduce condensation.
Sheds with a dirt floor have direct access to moisture, which may give a false-positive to the wetness created by ammonia.
Dripping ONLY from inside the roof is the main clue that it is the flooring.
Wet walls are the indicator that it is the rising ammonia from the poultry droppings, which a ventilation air flow issue.
RULE #1
Poultry sheds must have adequate ventilation. If there is any wetness on the walls and it the smell is strong in the morning (affecting the hens), the ventilation is poor and needs to be fixed urgently.
FURTHER READING
Secrets of Shed Building - https://www.secrets-of-shed-building.com/condensation-in-metal-sheds.html
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