How much humidity is too much

[samsr]

I have a relatively small coop for my hens. I have 8 total. I just got a wireless temp/humidity gauge for Christmas and was surprised at how much humidity was in their coop this evening. It has been as high as 41%. For the colorado area that is pretty high. Outside humidity is at 31% which is high for this time of year also. My question is, how much humidity is too much. It was -18 at my house last night and I am assuming the humidity was the same last night as it is now in the coop. They all seemed pretty happy when I let them out this morning. No frostbite this morning. My leghorn rooster, 4 days ago, did have the tops of his comb frostbit that night however. It was only -4 that night, however the small coop door was open that evening. So how much humidity is too much??

 

[dirtsaver]

I'm not sure if anyone has made a scientific determination with stated numbers. I'd be interested in seeing that info if a member knows of such a study. Most of us operate by "rule of thumb" and that translates into......if there is condensation inside you coop it's too humid. If your shavings (or other bedding) is very damp it's too high. If you see signs of frostbite the humidity is too high.

Hope this helps a little anyway!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

I agree, if you have frostbite...its too high. Chickens exhale alot of humidity, you need good ventilation in the coop. Hot air rises...so it needs a way up and out. Hope that makes sense.

 

[samsr]

I just put a wireless thermometer/hygrometer in my coop. It looks like the inside humidity goes up to about 50% at night. I havent had any more problems with frostbit since i put a verry small heater in the coop. Ots a single light bulb enclosed in bricks. A small oven of sort. Ot keeps them about 10 to 15 degrees warmer than outside, but only comes on at 30 degrees and below. They seem happier

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Sounds like a good solution!