What You’ll Regret Putting in the Coop If It Rains
A coop that gets soaked too often will turn into a mess fast. Chickens don’t do well in damp conditions—they need dry bedding, solid footing, and airflow that doesn’t let water creep in. Some things seem fine to keep inside the coop, but once the rain rolls in, they cause more problems than they solve.
If you want to keep your birds healthy and cleanup manageable, it pays to be picky about what goes in there during wet weather.
Cardboard Boxes or Paper Bedding
Anything paper-based soaks up moisture and turns to mush in no time. If you’re using cardboard boxes for nesting or paper shavings for bedding, they’ll fall apart the second humidity rises. Wet bedding also breeds bacteria fast, which can lead to respiratory issues and foot problems in your flock.
Uncovered Feed
Rain doesn’t have to pour directly into the coop for moisture to ruin feed. Even just high humidity or a small drip can spoil it. Wet feed clumps, molds, and draws pests. Stick with a hanging feeder or use one with a lid that seals tight. Always store extra feed outside the coop in sealed bins.
Fabric Curtains or Rags
Some people hang fabric curtains over nesting boxes to help hens feel secure, but if your coop isn’t airtight, those will absorb moisture and stay damp. That musty smell builds fast and so do mites. Stick with materials that can dry quickly or be swapped out and washed regularly.
Old Hay
Hay that’s already started to break down will trap moisture and mold quickly. While it might seem like a free bedding option, once it gets wet, it heats up, stinks, and can even cause respiratory issues. If you’re going to use hay, make sure it’s dry, fresh, and loosely packed so air can move through it.
Broken or Sagging Tarps
Covering part of the coop with a tarp might sound like a good fix, but if it sags or leaks, you’ve created a funnel for rainwater to pour in. A bad tarp setup can lead to puddles, mildew, and soggy bedding. Go for a sloped, secured covering—or better yet, patch the roof properly.
Anything Sitting Flat on the Floor
If you’ve got crates, tubs, or feeders sitting flat on a wooden or dirt floor, they’ll soak up any moisture that sneaks in. Raise them up on bricks, blocks, or pallets so air can circulate underneath. Even a half inch makes a difference in keeping the coop floor dry and breathable.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
