Condensation in metal shed-using as a coop

[JessRae]

I need some help! I have searched several articles that are from years ago and I wanted some fresh advice. I have a metal shed that we have somewhat transformed into our coop. My pullets and ducks are 6 almost 7 months old now and all live in the coop together...ducks on one side, chickens on the other. The temperature has drastically dropped and the low will be around 26 tonight. I put some more bedding down, there is no heat source whatsoever but this morning when I went to let them out, there is condensation all over the walls. I need to know the best, easiest way to fix this. I don’t want my birds getting sick. Any advice is appreciated

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You don't have nearly enough ventilation. I would cut some big windows in the building and cover with hardware cloth. Between respiration, feces and water founts, the humidity goes sky high. You have to get that out with huge ventilation. It isn't cold that causes frostbite, it is humidity. A warmish humid environment is a breeding ground for pathogens and causes respiratory problems from viruses, bacteria and fungus, not to mention a buildup of ammonia.

 

[aart]

Yep, probably need to add more ventilation.
Post pics of your coop inside and out and we maybe able to offer viable suggestions.
...also....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[JessRae]

I’ll go take pics now and hope you all can help me. I’m in KY right on a lake so the wind coming off the water makes it miserably cold. I open the doors everyday from the time I let them out until they go to bed but the 8-9 hours that they are up worries me most with the condensation.

 

[aart]

I have that same shed, not for chickens tho.
Yeah, the fan is not doing much good, need fresh air in there.
Will need to add some windows and vents.
Here's a great thread about converting a metal shed to a coop,
good info there on adding windows and vents.
Note that he is in Texas, so the fan he has is for overheating in summer.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/from-tool-shed-to-coop.1321135/

 

[JessRae]

I have that same shed, not for chickens tho.
Yeah, the fan is not doing much good, need fresh air in there.
Will need to add some windows and vents.
Here's a great thread about converting a metal shed to a coop,
good info there on adding windows and vents.
Note that he is in Texas, so the fan he has is for overheating in summer.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/from-tool-shed-to-coop.1321135/

That’s the same reason we have it in there. It was breaking 92-100 degrees up until about a week ago. I leave it on during the day with the doors wide open to try and circulate all the air. I will keep in mind he’s from Texas and look at his thread.

 

[aart]

That’s the same reason we have it in there. It was breaking 92-100 degrees up until about a week ago. I leave it on during the day with the doors wide open to try and circulate all the air. I will keep in mind he’s from Texas and look at his thread.

His vent fan set up might serve you very well then...he did a great job with all of it.

 

[JessRae]

I have been reading it since you posted the link! So much information, I think I am going to order the coop window tomorrow. I see a trend that metal is hard to work with so I may take their idea and frame it on the inside and set the window in it. We shall see, definitely good information. Appreciate it!

 

[aart]

I have been reading it since you posted the link! So much information, I think I am going to order the coop window tomorrow. I see a trend that metal is hard to work with so I may take their idea and frame it on the inside and set the window in it. We shall see, definitely good information. Appreciate it!

Yeah, you really do need to frame with wood inside, the metal is just not strong enough and you need the wood to fasten things to.

My shed like yours, I added a double swinging door by framing with wood.

 

[pibb]

I also have a shed just like that. I don't use it for chickens but I used to can vegetables in it and it would get very hot in there.

I cut two rectangular holes in each gable side and added 4 of these vents:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Air-Vent-4-in-L-White-Aluminum-Soffit-Vent/3017528

Then I added a bathroom fan with the duct going out of the back side. It does knock out some headroom though which there isn't much to start with.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Broan-4-Sone-50-CFM-White-Bathroom-Fan/1076121