Mould

Hi

I've noticed that I've got quite a lot of mould on the roof of my coop and I'm not sure what to do.  Could this harm my chickens?  As anyone got any advice?

oh, I found this yesterday too.  Just on the top edge of the coop underneath the removable roof. It is on wood joy.  Is it bad then? 

it sounds like the wood needs treating, the mould spores will not be very good for the chickens so make sure you have adequate ventilation and keep it clear of mould as much as possible as now is the wrong time of year to get the coup dry .

If you're getting mould, then you have a condensation problem (not surprising given the recent changes in temperatures) and you need to look at better ventilation. Can be difficult to do and avoid draughts, but essential.

Hi

I'm glad other people have noticed mould too, I thought it may be due to me not cleaning the coop correctly.  I'll be straight out this morning to clean it off.  I recently put a bit of a shelter over the ventilation holes on one side of the coop to try ans stop some of the draft.  It doesn't stop the air flow but do you think it could be this that has caused it?

Beth   

I've had a few mould spores develop very recently on the inside of the roof of the coop.  This has only occurred after the inside of the roof froze solid in these freezing temperatures!  (It reminded me of when I was little before double glazing and central heating when the house windows used to be frozen on the inside).  I think it was so cold the warm air didn't have chance to escape before freezing and then when it slowly melted it soaked into the wood, rather than drying properly and hence the mould.  I'm planning on insulating the roof a bit better for the next uber cold snap to see if this helps.