Winter coop ventilation and drafts

[Coopcheney]

Can someone explain to me what the difference is between a draft on the coop and ventilation? As fall and winter loom I am a bit confused. If we are supposed to seal all cracks and make sure there are no drafts in the coop why do they say you need ventilation? My coop has good ventilation but it could use some sealing this winter but I just do t get how it’s different than a vent? I hope I don’t sound silly….just an honest question.

 

[GCrumb]

The idea is that the airflow should not create a breeze that moves over the chickens where they are roosting, but there should be airflow to vent ammonia. So vents under the roof overhang but above the roosting space.

 

[Happy hen lover]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/
No it's not a silly question This is a great article to explain ventilation. Maybe take picture of your coop so we can see your ventilation. ?

 

[nuthatched]

Sitting in a car with the windows down is ventilation with possibility of drafts. Sitting in a car with the windows up and the sunroof open, is ventilation without drafts.
You don't need to block all cracks, just the large ones that wind can hit the roosts with.

 

[aart]

Can someone explain to me what the difference is between a draft on the coop and ventilation? As fall and winter loom I am a bit confused. If we are supposed to seal all cracks and make sure there are no drafts in the coop why do they say you need ventilation? My coop has good ventilation but it could use some sealing this winter but I just do t get how it’s different than a vent? I hope I don’t sound silly….just an honest question.

Air movement is OK, good even, unless that movement is strong enough to literally ruffle feathers while the birds roost. Their feathers keep their body heat in, so if feathers are moved heat can escape. Observing birds on the roost when it's windy outside can be a great way to see just how strong any 'drafts' are.

If you post pics of your coop, inside and out, showing ventilation we can help you by spotting any areas that may need improvements.

Would also help to know.....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Sally PB]

I hope I don’t sound silly….just an honest question.

Nobody here was born knowing this stuff. We all had to learn. Ask any questions you need to! The knowledge pool on BYC is wide and deep.

 

[Sally PB]

For winter, I cover the bottom half of this opening with a furnace filter material. It's a spun polyester, white, about 1/8" thick. I have other openings (this is an old picture) that I cover too, as they are lower. The filter material allows air circulation, but cuts the draft.