Using A High Tunnel Greenhouse for a Chicken Coop

A steel high tunnel greenhouse frame and cover can work for housing chickens year-round, but several key considerations need to be addressed to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of the chickens.

Key Considerations:

1. Ventilation & Air Quality

   • Greenhouses trap heat and moisture, which can lead to excessive humidity and ammonia buildup from chicken waste.
   • Install ventilation systems, such as roll-up sidewalls, roof vents, or exhaust fans, to ensure proper airflow.
   • Use deep litter management (wood shavings, straw) to control moisture and odor.

2. Temperature Control

   • In summer, temperatures inside a greenhouse can become dangerously high.
     • Use shade cloth, passive ventilation, or fans.
     • Consider an evaporative cooling system if in a very hot climate.
   • In winter, the greenhouse effect can help maintain warmth.
     • If temperatures drop too low, insulate parts of the structure with additional coverings like clear plastic, polycarbonate, or insulated tarps.
     • Use deep bedding for warmth and consider radiant heat sources if necessary.
       
       

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3. Cover Material & Durability

   • Standard polyethylene greenhouse plastic may not be strong enough to handle wind, snow loads, or pecking from chickens.
   • Consider reinforced greenhouse plastic or polycarbonate panels for durability.
   • If snow load is a concern, make sure the frame is strong enough or install a steeper roof angle to shed snow.

4. Protection from Predators

   • Predators (foxes, raccoons, hawks, etc.) may be a bigger issue since greenhouse covers are lightweight.
   • Reinforce the lower 3–4 feet with hardware cloth (1/4” or 1/2” mesh).
   • Bury hardware cloth or electric fencing around the perimeter to prevent digging predators.
5. 

   Perches, Nesting Boxes, and Space

   • Chickens need perches to roost at night and nesting boxes for laying eggs.
   • Plan for at least 2-4 square feet per chicken inside the greenhouse.
   • Provide dust baths with dry soil, ash, or sand to prevent mites.

6. Manure Management & Soil Health

   • If chickens are kept on bare soil, it may become compacted and unsanitary.
   • Consider using movable roosting bars and rotating areas with straw, wood chips, or sand.
   • Use deep litter composting to generate heat and enrich soil.

7. Dual-Purpose Use (Seasonal Gardening & Chickens)

   • Chickens can be rotated in during winter months to help fertilize and aerate the soil.
   • If growing food inside, separate chickens from plant beds with fencing or chicken tunnels.

Pros & Cons of a Greenhouse for Chickens

✅ Pros:

• Warmer in winter with solar heat gain.
• Can be dual-use (chickens in winter, plants in spring/summer).
• Protection from harsh weather.
• Less mud and snow exposure for chickens.
• Chickens provide natural fertilization.

❌ Cons:

• Can overheat in summer without proper ventilation.
• Plastic covers may degrade over time from UV exposure or chicken pecking.
• Increased risk of ammonia buildup if not cleaned properly.
• Predator protection must be reinforced.

Final Recommendation

A greenhouse can work as a year-round chicken shelter if you properly address ventilation, predator protection, temperature control, and waste management. Consider using reinforced plastic or polycarbonate, adding ventilation, and possibly integrating it with seasonal gardening to make the most of the space.

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