Humidity can be a problem in our barns. Humidity can create wet bedding, or litter. Wet litter creates ammonia, which is bad for the birds’ eyes, and is also an optimum condition for parasites like coccidiosis, bacteria like E. coli, and virus’ such as reovirus. Flies and other insects are more attracted to wet litter as well. These effects of humidity need to be eliminated, and here’s how we do it.
Humidity comes from many different sources; Humid outside air can filter into the barns, water that leaks through the walls and roof of the barns, spills/leaks from the water system, and even the exhaling of the birds are all sources that need to be considered. The barns are continually heated and when you add water to that heat it will evaporate causing the air to become humid. Humidity, especially when it increases from one location to another, can be easy to detect. Natural forms of detection, fogged glasses and smelling dampness, can be as effective as technology but not substituted for it. We use a humidity detection device called a Hydro-thermometer (Thermo Hygrometer) that instantly measures humidity levels. This keeps our records accurate and our levels appropriate.
In order to keep the humidity down in the barns we use a few different strategies. The key tactic we use is simply to keep the buildings ventilated. Our ventilation system runs in tandem with our heating system and its intensity depends on the chicks. The temperature of a room is dictated by the age of the birds in it and we keep our ventilation fans set to keep the temperatures desirable for the birds. Keeping the air moving is very important- replacing the humid barn air with fresh outside air. This becomes difficult when the air outside is equally or more humid than in the barns. Along with the exhaust fans we use “jet sock” fans that keep the air circulating, cutting down on standing humidity. If a barn does not have a “jet sock” fan there is a stir fan to keep the air moving. Diligence is important when working with the humidity fans to keep them working accurately.
If the bedding does become wet for any reason, we remove the bedding as soon as possible to dry and re-bed the area. In order to dry any wet spots from water leaks or an excess of humidity, which are common occurrences on our farm, we use a drying agent called “Mistral” that is sprinkled on the wet areas to absorb the moisture before it can create mold and breed dangerous bacteria. Mistral has performed impressively for us and we will often use it to powder the whole floor before putting down any bedding to make certain the floor is completely dry.
Humidity can be a risky factor when raising birds because of the dangerous bacteria and parasites it can cause, but we have found some really great ways to cut down and even eliminate its effects.