Building my own coop

[Sally PB]

You need 1 sq foot of permanent ventilation per bird.

Yes, 1 sf of ventilation per bird, open 24/7/365. By open, I mean covered with hardware cloth to keep out predators.

Ideally, it is over their heads when they're on the roost. Their warm, moisture laden breath will rise, keeping the humidity down in the coop, and therefore lessen the chance for frostbite. Ammonia also rises, so the smell from their poop will dissipate.

 

[rosemarythyme]

You need 1 sq foot of permanent ventilation per bird.

And that's minimum recommendation, I have more than that even in winter. If you have hotter summers you want the option of up to 2-3 sq ft, which might be met by the the human door for example if that can be left open safely at night.

 

[Sammy Sam]

And that's minimum recommendation, I have more than that even in winter. If you have hotter summers you want the option of up to 2-3 sq ft, which might be met by the the human door for example if that can be left open safely at night.

Yes, after the run is made the human door can be safe for night too. I also already have some windows framed, but I covered them with the siding, because I thought it might be too many ventilation. I’ll just need to buy a router and go from there. Thank you. I’m so excited building their coop and run. Glad for all the great suggestions.