Condensation in my coop

[SoonersDucks]

I was out checking on my ducks and noticed that the ceiling of my coop is dripping condensation down onto my bedding in the coop. I am guessing it is because I have my coop wrapped in some plastic to stop the wind as there are some really big gaps in the side boards. I didn’t think this would be an issue since i have big gaps at the top for ventilation. I also don’t see any moisture between my plastic and wood sides.... any suggestions? I was going to try and mount a protected heat lamp in their but with the moisture it worries me.

 

[wyoDreamer]

You may need to insulate the roof somehow. The humid air is rising and hitting the cold plastic, the moisture is forming on the plastic because of the temp difference. Maybe something as simple as stapling some cardboard to the rafters would work to keep the moist air from contacting the cold plastic.

 

[DobieLover]

I was out checking on my ducks and noticed that the ceiling of my coop is dripping condensation down onto my bedding in the coop. I am guessing it is because I have my coop wrapped in some plastic to stop the wind as there are some really big gaps in the side boards. I didn’t think this would be an issue since i have big gaps at the top for ventilation. I also don’t see any moisture between my plastic and wood sides.... any suggestions? I was going to try and mount a protected heat lamp in their but with the moisture it worries me.

Do the gaps in the siding allow wind to open the feathers on the birds when it is blowing? If not, I wouldn't put up the plastic.
Alternatively, you can install the plastic only on the side(s) of the prevailing winds in your area and only high enough to protect the roosting space.
Adding heat is not the solution to this problem. You need to work to maintain a dry coop and that means moving the moist air out with ventilation.

 

[wyoDreamer]

I think there is plenty of ventilation with the front open and the top areas that are chicken wired. It is simply a fact that warm air rises, when it rises it will come in contact with your plastic corrigated roof and when warm air hits a cold surface, it will produce condensation.
Another idea is to staple plastic to the bottom of the rafter and stuff that area with hay for insulation. Use wood strips to along the raters to hold the plastic inplace.

 

[Birdsong 82]

Heat could actually cause more moisture in some cases. I stuffed cheese cloth with activated charcoal and sewed it up to help moisture problems in small spaces but has to be where chickens can't get them

 

[SoonersDucks]

Heat could actually cause more moisture in some cases. I stuffed cheese cloth with activated charcoal and sewed it up to help moisture problems in small spaces but has to be where chickens can't get them

Not a bad idea.... its for my ducks.

 

[Birdsong 82]

Oh sorry . guess it applies either way . I read that but my brain went to chickens haha. Don't have ducks yet....YET. Just my chickens so far.

 

[chickens really]

It's the plastic roof causing the moisture. Not the Ducks breathing.

 

[aart]

It's the plastic roof causing the moisture. Not the Ducks breathing.

It's both.
The moisture has to be in the coop for it to condense on a plastic, or metal, roof.

Moisture in coop is caused by breathing poultry....and their poop...and maybe a open waterer....and maybe a lack of ventilation(unless it's just as humid outside the coop as inside).

 

[RoosterML]

It's the plastic roof causing the moisture. Not the Ducks breathing.

Incorrect, moisture/condensation is caused when warm moist air contacts cold surfaces. Condensation will always occur on the “warm” side. Only 2 ways to solve the issue is by insulation so that the thermal brake occurs within the insulation. Rigid foam is the best at doing this. The only other way is to make it so you do not have a temperature difference between inside and outside which would require more ventilation.
Sorry do not use organic materials as insulation such as hay,grass,cardboard etc. with organic materials like that you will be creating the perfect environment for mold.