Moisture issue

[Nmfensley94]

So this is our second winter with chickens. Last year we did have a couple frostbitten chickens in our flock (combs and wattles) but our rooster had the worst case. He developed severe frostbite this year. We know we have a moisture issue going on but have been struggling to identify the problem. The coop is a large lean-to style shed that was converted into a coop by the previous home owner so I’m unsure of how old it is but visually it appears to be in good condition. It has windows and vents just below the roof line. Late fall we noticed the roof was leaking but it was already too cold to do anything with it. After a couple dry days we covered it with a tarp and plan on repairing it once it starts to warm up but the moisture issue was present prior to the current issue with the roof. Any suggestions on what could be the source? I don’t currently have any pictures of the coop but I can take some if that’ll help.

 

[WallyG74]

Pics will definitely help.

 

[Nmfensley94]

I’ll post some tomorrow as it’s already dark here.

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC. If you put your location into your profile we'll be able to give better-targeted advice. Climate matters, especially when it comes to housing.

Frequently a long-term moisture problem is due to inadequate ventilation. Sometimes it's due to condensation under the roof. Other times it's due to ground-level infiltration or runoff from nearby structures. The photos will help us figure it out.

Here's my article on ventilation: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/

 

[Nmfensley94]

Pics will definitely help.

 

[3KillerBs]

Judging from the photos, I think you've got a ventilation problem. The usual guideline is to have at least one square foot of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation per adult, standard-sized hen.

That's a guideline, not a hard and fast rule, but it's a good place to start and then adjust up or down as needed for your individual situation.

If you can add top-hinged vents the whole way along the top and bottom of the roof slope to provide airflow like this illustration the situation will almost certainly improve.

 

[aart]

Judging from the photos, I think you've got a ventilation problem.

Definitely.

 

[Nmfensley94]

Will do. Thank you for the help!