Humidity in the coop: what numbers are considering "normal and healthy"?

[DownwardDog]

My husband is winterizing our insulated coop (we are in SE New Hampshire), and he wants to put some insulation up along the ridge vent. He says the coop is far from airtight but since we only have 10 birds in a 12x12 coop, he wants to make sure whatever heat is created stays in as much as possible. We've put a humidistat and thermometer in the coop to keep on eye on things, so I'm wondering what percentage of humidity is "good" versus "bad"? I think in houses, anything over 50% is "bad" but I could be wrong about this, so if anyone has ideas for coop levels, I'd be happy to hear them. Thanks!!!!

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

It shouldn't be any higher than the humidity outside.
Trying to control it more isn't cost effective except for huge commercial operations

 

[Rooster Rules]

It is getting very cold out tonight, cold arctic air pushing down, 66% humidity out right now, 55% humidity in the coop, so good in my case.
I changed shavings the other day, nice and dry and no smell, no molds nice,dry and mold free in my coop, something must be working.

 

[DownwardDog]

Makes sense, thanks! Although I hope to never see 100% humidity in my coop

 

[aart]

If you have enough ventilation, inside the coop will probably be very similar to outside the coop both in humidity and temperature.

'Holding heat' in the coop is somewhat a fallacy because of ventilation. Insulation is most helpful in keeping the sun from overheating coops in the summer.

Chickens can, and should allowed to, acclimate to the cold with good feathering...they'll be healthier in the long run. Kept free from direct drafts and being dry are key.