Condensation: extra vent?

[Hans77]

Hello, I built some identical chicken coops. The idea was:
- little chance for chicken mites
- easy to clean
- dark to keep the rooster quiet
- automatic door
- lasting
I used coated plywood, which is absolutely rainproof and hard-wearing. However, it doesn't "breathe".
I am aware ventilation is imperative. So, close to the roof top, I cut out a hole with a vent (9 cm x 9 cm)
Each coop has a surface of 100 cm x 80 cm. The roof top is 125 cm high.
There are 3 bantams in each coop and still there is condensation. So, I reckon I need extra ventilation. But where can I place an extra vent? I don't want to create a draft, so I think I shouldn't place it on the backside, should I?

 

[Kasilofchrisn]

I'm not a carpenter or an expert on building.
But in my opinion yes you should put more ventilation on the back side.
But put it at the top also.
This will create a slight draft which pulls the moisture out but doesn't put a draft directly on your chickens.
That's how I would do it anyway. Especially if I was having moisture issues.

 

[Hans77]

I understand that the draft I will create that way, is way above the chickens. But what if the door is open during the day? Don't you think a hen in a nesting box is getting draft between the door and the hole in the backside?

I'm not a carpenter or an expert on building.
But in my opinion yes you should put more ventilation on the back side.
But put it at the top also.
This will create a slight draft which pulls the moisture out but doesn't put a draft directly on your chickens.
That's how I would do it anyway. Especially if I was having moisture issues.

 

[Hans77]

Would it make any sense to add a vent to the left or the right of the door? Then both vents would be in the same wall. Theory: fresh air in at the bottom, warm humid air out at the top. Or I could drill holes in the door?

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I'd make the existing vent larger, and add one on the other side. Water vapor is lighter than air, so it will rise to the top of the coop. Give it a way to escape and it will.

Nice coops btw. What did you use for roofing, and do you have a brand name for the coated plywood?

 

[Hans77]

No brand name, I'm afraid. In Belgium this wood is known as "betonplex". You could Google that to have an idea.
Roof is bitumen glued on plywood.
I am pleased with the work I have done so far. I am not professionally skilled. So, I am reluctant to start cutting holes. I want to be 100% sure what will work. Someone said not to use the backside because of draft issues and stay on the front side with both holes.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Those are fantastic! I agree: you should be proud!

I still get condensation on the underside of my roof even though I have tons of ventilation (14 sq ft on a 32 sq ft coop for 4 birds). But my roof is metal, so I think that's something I will have to live with. That coated plywood is nifty! I can't find it here in the US. I kind of made my own coated plywood with a waterproofing compound.

I have heard several times on BYC that more ventilation is better ventilation. The Woods coop and open front designs support that assertion. Maybe check out other coops of similar size/design for ideas.

I'm no carpenter, either, so I understand your trepidation about making changes! But your work is great so far! I'd trust you to make holes in my coop!

 

[Hans77]

Aunt Angus, thank you.
The thing is, I am looking for a balance. The darkness inside keeps my roosters silent. The more holes, the more light, the more noise on the outside. But, obviously the animals' health is the most important, so I'm not happy with moisture.

 

[aart]

But where can I place an extra vent? I don't want to create a draft, so I think I shouldn't place it on the backside, should I?

Bigger vent.... on both gables.
Under eaves would be good too.
Pics of inside of coop, please?

Windows for light are important all year around, and for more ventilation in summer.
Are you not allowed to have crowers in your area?

Where in this world are you located?
Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would enlarge the vent you already have, and have another on the backside across from it. You want air to flow in to push out the moist air, and at that height there shouldn't be a draft as the roost shouldn't place them that high up with the slope of the roof. I would make both vents larger than 10 cm square, at minimum.