Moisture problems in the coop....

[patandchickens]

Ayup, that sure looks like MASSIVE condensation from lack of ventilation. (It could potentially also be partly moisture from roof or wall leaks, so you would want to doublecheck that as well - if the OSB is moisture-laden from leak sources, it doesn't take much extra chicken-source moisture to cause bad problems like that.

Go get yer Sawzall or other weapon of choice, and cut some big ol' vents in that coop, pronto!

I would make suggestions about how/where/am't except that I'm afraid I can't get a real good idea of the size, shape and structure of your coop from those pics alone -- any chance of some more general 'this is what my coop looks like' type ones?

Pat

 

[Loco Ken]

I cleaned out the inside with a bleach water solution to kill any bad stuff that might have been in there and then rinsed it down. Then I put a space heater inside to try and dry it out a little. After it looked somewhat dry, I cut some holes in for ventilation and will do some more tomorrow if I need to add more. I tried to put the holes where it wouldn't put a direct draft on them but I think it might need more. I don't have any pics yet of the coop to post tonight but will take some tomorrow so you can get an idea of where I'm at. I got some progress on other parts today so maybe I can get it posted in the "Coop Design" section real soon. At least I don't have droplets hanging from the ceiling anymore. Let's hope they don't form again.

 

[Loco Ken]

Well, there is no more moisture in the coop!!!! After the portable heater dried most of it up, I started cutting the vents. After two days now it seems to be doing just fine. Maybe later I will put some doors on the vents to close them up if need be but I'm thinking they wont need them since I need the ventilation all the time. Maybe some of you have some other ideas. Anyway, thanks for the help so far!

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
Looks good LK. Just be sure that you have sufficient overhang for rain. Sounds like you've probably solved that moisture problem...good show!!!

Ed

 

[LynneP]

I'd like to add that since you live in the Pacific NW that your need for moisture ventilation is higher than in most other regions...

Well done in solving the problem...

 

[elmo]

Here's another suggestion: put a tray or board under the roost to catch the night time droppings. This makes it very easy to remove the night droppings from the coop daily which can also help reduce moisture buildup and smell in the coop.

 

[Loco Ken]

Quote:
Ya know elmo, that is something I never thought about doing. Thank you for that little tip! It will save me on coop bedding for sure! Nice!

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
Ya know elmo, that is something I never thought about doing. Thank you for that little tip! It will save me on coop bedding for sure! Nice!

Great suggestion from Elmo. Lots of folks do that....do a search for "dropping board" here on BYC...lots of discussion.

Ed

 

[Loco Ken]

I wish I had the time to go through and read all the posts here on this site because there are alot of good things to learn from but I just don't have that. I always try to do a search for things first but sometimes not knowing how people word things can also make it different as well to get good info on your screen. Thank you to everyone here who paused and took the time to help me this and every time I've asked questions. Ya'll are a bunch of good people and the world is a better place because of you!