Condensation in coop

[catschickies]

Hi all..1st winter with chickens. 8by12 coop with 24 chickens. Pine shavings on floor. Two vents 8 by 16 in opposite soffit. Two windows closed. Here's my problem..condensation on windows when in 30s or so and frost when colder. No sign of frostbite and chicken seem happy and healthy. Floor shavings feel damp sometimes but it might just be cold instead. I love my chickens so need any suggestions or thoughts for changes I need if any. I have learned so much from you all..thanks for your help

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! You do need more ventilation, soon! Condensation inside is a sure thing, and your vents are not enough. Pictures will help here. Bigger upper hardware cloth covered openings will work, on the south side if possible, or the east. Away from storm winds. Mary

 

[catschickies]

Thank you mary for your response. I will try to get pics of inside and outside coop tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully that will help me get detailed help as I am a newbie and may be keeping it too tight thinking I'm helping them.

 

[Howard E]

Rule of thumb from the old school was 1 SF or vent space per 10 SF of floor space. That would mean about 10 SF of vent space for you. You have less than 2 SF, so 5X as much as you have now. That would be the minimum. More would not hurt.

Runs counter to what we would think. Moisture is the culprit and it has to get out.

 

[TalkALittle]

Open the windows?

 

[Folly's place]

What's your climate? Temps? Opening the windows will work if it's not too cold, which is relative... Mary

 

[Molpet]

Great article on VENTILATION, one of THE MOST IMPORTANT aspects of coop design.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

 

[catschickies]

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[catschickies]

 

[catschickies]