problems not the coop but the run

[SparksNV]

Where can I find a humidity meter?

Our average humidity in the summer is in the upper teens to low twenties. In the winter it is between 50-60%.

I can get some readings in the coop and in the run.

Thanks everyone!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

As for the dampness in the run, the pea gravel should drain well enough. Does any water stand there? I had some standing water after a lot of rain so across the middle of the run I buried a 4" drain pipe, wrapped with a drain sock with sand all around with the end emerging in a lower area outside the run.
This time of year the ground is just going to be damp unless you put a roof over it. Maybe just roof a small area in front of the coop.
Do you use bedding in the coop? I use pine shavings 4-6" deep and only need to clean out every few months.
I understand your concern if you're seeing damaged combs but if they seem content walking around the run, I wouldn't worry too much.
The pea gravel gives good drainage but doesn't afford the occasional dust bath.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
That's the crux of it, right there.

Your temps are not much different from mine and our humidity is certainly higher. If anything my coop is too airish for winter; I have large areas of wall made of hardware cloth, only partly covered for winter, and two long and wide eaves fully open air. Have already been down into the low teens, going there this week again. No sign of frostbite in 4 years, or in the other flocks I've had in this area over the years.

I would agree, though, that your wet run is probably adding to the problem. Better drainage and a load of sand might help. I don't really know, I've never kept chickens in a run.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Lowe's, home depot, maybe radioshack or google hygrometer.
here is a cheap one at radioshack
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049773
Quote:
We start humid here and stay that way year round. I can't afford to let any extra build up inside.
good luck

 

[gsim]

Quote:
Hi Sparks,

I am wondering if the floor of your coop is exposed towards the ground. Like maybe a hardware cloth or chicken wire floor to let poop fall through? That or an open trap door could allow moisture to come up into the coop. I have 6 sq ft ventilation for a coop that is 8 x 16. All of that is at the top parts of the coop. That is 1 sq ft for each 4 chickens as I have 22. That is full-time 24-7 ventilation with two gable vents, turbine vent, and full length soffit vents. I can have more in warmer weather with pop doors, 4 windows, and entrance . I sometimes open all of those if it is hot, but I never have to open anything in my coop all winter long. It is always dry and dusty, no matter what the weather is. Their run is not under my coop tho either although their rainy day perch is under there.

See 'My BYC Page',

Gerry

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Another idea, would your birds be safe at night from predators if you left that tall man door open at night? Or at least leave it open all day to air out the coop.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

SparksNV - Chances are if they do have a touch of frost bite - it happened when our nights dropped into the minuses - now is the "right" time for the affected areas, if small to be dropping off and missing. I have no troubles with frost bite down to -9 ish but once it drops into the double digits - then I start to see it - even in the open sided coop shed that we have. And my coop(s) has(have) alot more humidity in it do to the number of birds plus the ducks.

I doubt you have a humidity problem in the coop - with all respect to the other replies. You can always open more vents.

 

[SparksNV]

OK I will go look for a humidity meter.

But my gut says it is the run NOT THE COOP!

So, please, please, just give me some ideas on the run! I have NO STANDING WATER - just that the run is damp - it gets NO SUN to dry out. If adding sand will help, that's what I will do.

My coop has about 6" of pine shavings. I go into the coop at the very least every other day but usually every day to clean out the poo. It is a plywood floor with floor tiles over it. There are no water leaks - it does not feel damp - the run feels damp.

Thanks for your ideas and suggestions!

 

[bywaterdog]

Sometimes our "gut" can be wrong.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I don't have many good ideas for drying out the run. It will just take mother nature to warm the whole area up, so the ground can unfreeze and evaporate. We just need three/four good days, above 45 for the shady northern areas to dry out.

The north side of our house is like this - almost perma frost frozen until spring or a chunk of good weather.