Empty hutch care

[Harry&lloyd]

Hi, hoping someone can help. My girls were moved inside about a month or so ago because it’s cold and damp up here in Glasgow, but my problem now is how to care for an empty outdoor hutch. I covered it completely last winter with a hutch cover and tarp by it ended up so mouldy I had to chuck it in the skip. I don’t want the same happening over this winter. It’s been fully cleaned out and disinfected and currently has a thermal hutch cover and the summer cover it (no tarp). Went down today to check on it to find the outside has the beginnings of mould. Ive taken the covers off and wiped the mould off with antibacterial wipes. The covers are hanging to try and dry them out as they are wet on the inside?!?
Any tips? Sorry for the long post
Lisa

 

[Piggies&buns]

Is there any way you can put it in a shed/garage or under a car port? Being fully covered and not being ventilated daily then mould is going to occur. If they could be put under cover then covers could be removed so it ventilates.
Also, not all thermal covers are completely waterproof - some thermal covers require a waterproof cover to be put on top of them but even if yours is, not being ventilated daily will still cause mould.

 

[VickiA]

I'm really not that sure, but my feeling is that when it's raining it's probably best to keep it fully covered, but on dryer or windier days perhaps uncover it, open all the doors and let some fresh air get into it to help keep it aired?

 

[Harry&lloyd]

Is there any way you can put it in a shed/garage or under a car port? Being fully covered and not being ventilated daily then mould is going to occur. If they could be put under cover then covers could be removed so it ventilates.
Also, not all thermal covers are completely waterproof - some thermal covers require a waterproof cover to be put on top of them but even if yours is, not being ventilated daily will still cause mould.

Ah I thought that might be the case. Was hoping the covers might have enough ventilation to stop it. I have a tiny coal shed it may just fit in if I can clear it out.