Wet Litter in Poultry Houses: Causes and Prevention

Wet litter looks like a housekeeping problem, but it's really a disease problem in disguise. Damp litter (the bedding on the floor) releases ammonia (a sharp-smelling gas), breeds coccidiosis, and damages feet and skin — and it's almost always caused by something fixable. Here's what causes it and how to keep the floor dry.

1. Why wet litter matters

• Ammonia (the sharp gas from damp droppings) burns birds' eyes and airways, opening the door to breathing disease.
• Coccidiosis — the parasite that causes it thrives in warm, damp litter.
• Feet and breast problems — constant damp damages skin and lowers the quality of the meat.
• Dirty eggs in layers, and a general invitation to disease.

2. The common causes

• Leaking or badly set drinkers — the number-one cause.
• Poor ventilation (not enough fresh air) — moisture can't escape, so it settles in the litter.
• Overcrowding — too many birds produce more moisture than the litter can absorb.
• Wet or mouldy feed — and spillage.
• High humidity (moisture in the air) or rain getting into the house.
• Diarrhoea from disease — wet droppings from coccidiosis, worms or gut upset.

3. How to prevent wet litter

• Fix drinkers so they don't leak, and set them at the right height.
• Let fresh air in to move moisture and ammonia out.
• Use dry litter that soaks up moisture, and top it up or change wet patches promptly.
• Avoid overcrowding — give birds the space they need.
• Keep rain out and manage humidity.
• Treat the disease behind it — wet droppings are often a health signal.

If the litter is wet because birds have diarrhoea, find the cause — see our guides to coccidiosis in poultry and the symptoms of a sick chicken.