Designing a Coop in a Cave

[nevergiveup]

Hi, I'm new to chickens and new to the forum. We live in the cave dwellers area of Andalucia, Spain. With our windy winters and searingly hot summers we thought a cave for the chickens would be great to protect them. It will be re-enforced with concrete blocks and joists so it will be structurally sound, BUT if there is any reason anyone can think of that I shouldn't do it that way, i.e. ventilation, please let me know. Also if anyone out there has done it before or knows of a someone who has done it before, I would love some tips. Thanks !

 

[Judy]

Ventilation would be my concern. It does seem like there should be a way to get around it, though. Perhaps simply a fan that sucks air out., across the ceiling, maybe. Both huidity and ammonia do need a way out, somehow.

This article on ventilation is sort of a classic here. It was written by a Canadian a few years ago. Maybe it will somehow be helpful -- if you already found it, just excuse me!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

 

[flyboy129]

Aren't caves notorious for having around 95-100% humidity?

 

[nevergiveup]

Ventilation would be my concern.  It does seem like there should be a way to get around it, though.  Perhaps simply a fan that sucks air out., across the ceiling, maybe.  Both huidity and ammonia do need a way out, somehow.

This article on ventilation is sort of a classic here.  It was written by a Canadian a few years ago.  Maybe it will somehow be helpful -- if you already found it, just excuse me!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

Thanks for that info. I think I will leave a large double door opening in the front protected with a wire fence for the summer and make an insulated panel with a smaller ventilation opening to install in the cold, windy winters.

 

[nevergiveup]

Aren't caves notorious for having around 95-100% humidity?

Not the kind of cave you're imagining. Google caves in Spain if you're curious ! Thanks though !