Winterizing coop not working out

[chickens really]

Yours might not, but many can.

...oh aart your too sweet..

 

[PirateGirl]

Water in the Coop doesn't cause issue...
I know because mine has always been inside..

I will amend to say spilled water in coops can cause excessively wet bedding and issues. So depending on your water setup it may or may not cause issues

 

[CityslickerHomestead]

Is the waterer leaking? Did you over do the plastic and not enough ventilation?
Definitely should be dry..
Chickens breath moisture as is the droppings a high moisture content.
Shavings in the Coop?

Is the drinking water in the coop or the run?
How many chickens in what size coop?
How often do you you add dry bedding?

In regards to a leaking waterer in the coop (or spilled, or splashed...) that would be a contributing factor.

I recently noticed in my coop my window framing worked as a collection basin for rain and snow, so water was leaking into my coop from there. I’ve since caulked around the window. Maybe you have a leak in the structure like I did? Is your coop on the ground? Maybe there is water pooling underneath or running into it?

The only other moisture issue with my coop was wind blowing rain and snow into the coop through the ventilation, despite adequate roof overhangs. We get a lot of sideways rain where I live. I solved that issue by adding a hinged wooden door/flap over the vents to close during days I know it’ll get bad.

 

[aart]

In regards to a leaking waterer in the coop (or spilled, or splashed...) that would be a contributing factor.

Even an open water can contribute to coop humidity via evaporation.

 

[CityslickerHomestead]

Even an open water can contribute to coop humidity via evaporation.

I felt that was implied when I mentioned splashes and spills, but I 100% agree with you - an open waterer in the coop will contribute to humidity levels in the coop.

 

[SilkieSisters]

@chickens really @MilesFluffybutt @Trevorusn @aart

Here's my coop right now, I have 33 chickens and I know its too many for the space they have . . . I found that out the hard way after I got them. I have some containers down to collect poop at night. The water hasn't leaked or spilled at all and I can't put it outside because it gets so cold and below freezing a lot that they refuse to go out. Also, the snow will be above the run most of the winter season. I can cut as many and as big of holes in the plastic wrap as needed. The 4th wall in this picture that isn't seen is pure chicken wire and that's where most of the plastic is.

 

[chickens really]

Venting over head is a definite help...Moisture rises.

 

[Matilda Belle]

I change the bedding in my coop weekly EXCEPT when it's so cold that all feces/urine is frozen (in that case, i just add new bedding on top). Make sure you have enough vents. I had to add more vents to my coop after my first winter because I had problems with moisture. I keep my water inside because my silkies are too dumb to go in the snow. That contributes to the moisture issue, but hopefully this year with my new vents I won't have the problems I did last year. Good luck!

 

[Trevorusn]

I agree, looks like no ventilation high up. With that many birds making that much poop that can definately be an issue. Even in freezing weather they will be ok with ventilation slats covered by hardware cloth.

 

[Trevorusn]

The key is getting them near the roof above any roosts so moisture rises but no drafts hit the chicks. What does the roof look like??