Coop ventilation question

[blondie55555]

Hoping someone can answer a few questions regarding adequate ventilation on this coop. I originally purchased it for a temporary until my larger coop/run was completed. Then chicken math came and well figured I might as well get chicks for this one. It came with ventilation on 3 sides, but not the back. Chickens did well with it in winter, but I added some small holes on all 4 sides during the hot summer and used a mesh door I made. Now that winter is here, I put the door back on. I’m wondering if I messed up the designed ventilation and/or should leave the mesh door on. Ventilation vs warmth? I’m not understanding cross ventilation. They have a large run for daytime, but I close them up at night. I am attaching photos (sorry for the dirty door-rained today) with a link to the coop for details. (Both sides are the same). I’ve tried both sand and pine shavings, but it appears shaving is better as sand was very dusty. I have 7 chickens utilizing it. Thanks for your input. It’s great to have you all to turn to for help when needed.

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petco...yyXHTmr9mFTcv_5CaDBoC9XoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[fuzzi]

I'm no expert, but that coop looks seriously under ventilated.

@3KillerBs has a good article on ventilation. Read on: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/

 

[rosemarythyme]

I see no discernible ventilation at all. Are you referring to those small slots? Ventilation is measured in sq ft, not inches.

 

[Brooks_]

Not to pile on, but that is not ventilated. Nor is it large enough for 7.

 

[blondie55555]

I'm sorry to to be cut and dry, I know that chickens have an absurdly steep(!) learning curve and you're doing you're best with what you have.

No worries, I needed it. A chicken beginner and so appreciate a place I can come to for answers.

 

[Sefirothe]

I have a similar coop by the same maker that I'm using as a grow out/temp coop. You will not be able to cut out large triangles on the sides due to the way the coop is put together. We cut out most of the top board on each side and I covered that with hardware cloth. Its still not enough really tho.

I added a small fan rated for outdoor use on the other side that kicked on in the worst heat of the summer.

 

[kengboss21]

This is what they advertise:
this item has ventilation slits on the front and both sides of the unit.
Suggestions on venting? Cut rectangle windows on 2 sides? Will it be too cold if put mesh door back on?

definitely more ventilation. You can cut out a triangle following the roof line and then another parallel to the ground and cover it with mesh/wire. No it will not be too cold they can survive with 0 shelter if temperature was the only factor.

 

[rosemarythyme]

This is what they advertise:
this item has ventilation slits on the front and both sides of the unit.
Suggestions on venting? Cut rectangle windows on 2 sides? Will it be too cold if put mesh door back on?

Is the run above that roofed? That would go a long way in helping to protect any vents.

Also keep in account wind direction. I think the triangles on the side would be the best place to think about opening up, but only if your predominant winds don't blow that way. Not sure how hard this material is to cut (some sort of plastic it looks like) but if possible you'd want to save the cut outs so you can hinge them over the opening to help further blunt winds and precipitation, like so:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-coop-is-done-now-for-the-run.1381538/ and https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...do-members-think.1498249/page-2#post-25025344

 

[nuthatched]

X3, that's not ventilation.
You don't want your coop to be warm, you want ventilation and to avoid breezes hitting your birds.
I'd cut out a 4" strip under the roof, from edge to edge, on atleast two sides and you'll be close to what you need in terms of ventilation. Cover with hardware cloth, of course.
It's also way too small.
I'd move up your plans on a proper coop, prefab cause nothing but issues.

 

[nuthatched]

Thank you, I will cut out strips per your recommendation.They only sleep in it currently, but I will move them to big coop as soon as possible.

I'm sorry to to be cut and dry, I know that chickens have an absurdly steep(!) learning curve and you're doing you're best with what you have.