Coop placement - dampness worry

[Safehorses]

Hello everyone.
I have been considering building a coop, in one corner, inside our barn. This would give the chickens more protection in the winter and shade in the summer. The plan is to build the coop 2' off the ground.
My concern is the barn has a dirt floor and the dirt is damp most of the time.
Will this make my chickens sick?
Thank you so much.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Damp is not ideal. Do you know what's causing the dampness?

 

[Safehorses]

Thank you for replying.
Unless we have very dry weather the ground here stays damp, unless it gets direct sun.
The barn has a open front but it's 20' deep.
It has no windows.
My thought was to put a coop in one back corner and add two windows, on the barn
for ventilation. I worry that wouldn't be enough. I don't want to cause these babies any harm.

 

[21hens-incharge]

What part of the world do you live in?

Do you get a lot of rain?

To me damp means mold potential and mold with chickens is bad.
Is there a dryer spot?
I agree the source of the damp needs sorted out.

 

[3KillerBs]

I agree. Solve drainage/water problems first to save major headaches later.

If the problem is rain getting into the building patch leaks and install gutters.

If the problem is water running across the ground to enter the building use water diversion methods such as creating grass swales, installing French drains, or even digging open ditches. Some cases even justify using heavy equipment to re-grade the landscape.

If the problem is ground water -- that the water table is close to the surface so that the area is perpetually wet -- don't perpetuate the barn builder's mistake and find a dry, well-drained location for your animals instead of a wet one.

 

[Safehorses]

I'm in Nanjemoy MD. We have a lot of low land here.
Thank you all for your insight. I will find a more suitable placement for the coop. I definitely want these babies to stay healthy.
I love this site. Such great information and wonderful people.