Ventilation questions

Homesteading.newb · Post by **Homesteading.newb** » Tue May 24, 2016 4:15 pm

Currently mid build on a 4x6coop that will house 5 hens. I have read that at a minimum there should be at least one square foot of venting per bird. Sound accurate?

Post by **poultry_admin** » Tue May 24, 2016 4:41 pm

Hi,
I'm not the chicken person in our household (WLLady is), but having built a coop or two for her, I think that:
summer- YES and more is better, birds like it better and bedding stays drier and lasts longer, too!
winter - NO, well, maybe, depends on how it's setup. With coop #4 or is it 5??? we ended up with a loft in a big barn and ventilation there is excellent all winter long, too. For me the key would be to make sure you have enough air exchange to reduce moisture (causing frost byte on waddles and combs if you get roosters), but somehow keeping the temp above outside temperature. And most importantly cut drafts.

Doug The Chickenman · Post by **Doug The Chickenman** » Tue May 24, 2016 6:09 pm

You want ventilation with out drafts.

Homesteading.newb · Post by **Homesteading.newb** » Wed May 25, 2016 6:43 am

Pardon my ignorance, however, how is this best achieved? I have most of my venting along the top, between the gables of the roof. These will be open all year. Also, there will be 3 smallish (8x18ish) windows and a door that will be able to open as well.

Homesteading.newb · Post by **Homesteading.newb** » Wed May 25, 2016 6:45 am

Here is a picture of where i am at.

Maximus · Post by **Maximus** » Wed May 25, 2016 9:09 am

Are your girls free ranging year round?

Personally, I think there are a few things to consider. Are they inside or outside? That will dramatically affect the amount of

in the coop. I also use a

tarp under roosts for at night. It is removable and is cleaned out every day or worse case every other day. Poop reduction, moisture reduction.

I have man size doors on my coops. They are open all day every day. My gang free ranges every day and didn't miss a day despite the weather, rain, snow or shine they are out. Their choice of course. So all that daytime

isn't in the coop.

The bedding you use will also affect moisture content. I'm a flax bedding user. Can't imagine using anything else, I LOVE it! But some also prefer different types. Miss a personal preference of course.

I have attached a picture of my coop with

tarp. I also have vents at the top of the coop - like air intake vents used in a house - one at the front of the coop and one at the back. You can see the light at the back of the coop on this picture. I also didn't completely seal, so air flow isn't an issue. I consider it predator proof but still has the ability for air to flow through.

Just my thoughts.

Post by **Home Grown Poultry** » Wed May 25, 2016 9:29 am

having smaller vents as close to the floor as possible and then up in the soffit or roof will keep the birds out of a direct draft while roosting at night, providing enough air exchange and keep the birds from getting frostbite. Most of my birds have massive single combs and I rarely have frostbite. sure pea comb varieties are more suitable for our harsh climate like the Chanteclar, Canada's only breed of chicken and a darn good dual purpose heritage bird I might add. but there really is no problem keeping single combed varieties in our climate when a coop is built with adequate ventelation. its not the cold that produces frostbite on chickens, its the humid air that freezes on the combs that gets them.

ross · Post by **ross** » Wed May 25, 2016 10:53 am

Looks like your coop is on legs . Try a 8/16 " hole in floor , nail down a pc of 1/2 by 1/2 wire over top & frame with 2/4 on edge to keep beding out . You can cover part in winter if necessary . Fresh cool air in bottom & moist warm air rising to out top vents . Luck

Post by **Killerbunny** » Thu May 26, 2016 7:49 pm

My vents all have draught shielding on the outside, they are dryer vent thingys with mesh/hardware cloth over them. On the outside of the wall is a bent metal protector to stop the wind blowing in.