AC Window Unit & Ventilation

[Ang757]

Hi all!
New member and new chicken mom here! I have a question about ventilation for my coop. I have a decent size coop (a converted shed) that currently houses 15 teenagers (about 3 months old). I live in Texas where it gets very hot, so my husband and I installed an AC unit and insulated the entire coop. Currently we do not have any open areas for ventilation because we thought that would defeat the purpose of keeping the coop cool. We figured the AC unit would filter out the dirty air (it has a reusable removable filter that we clean everyday) and be sufficient enough in keep the air quality up to par. So, are we correct? Or do we still need to have windows open too?
~Angela

 

[3KillerBs]

I cannot imagine any ordinary, home AC unit being capable of either exchanging a sufficient amount of air to ensure the chickens' health or surviving the intense dust load from the dander and the bedding.

You need 1 square foot of ventilation per chicken to maintain good air quality. I don't know what rate that exchanges the air at, but I'm certain that no home AC unit provides it.

It's not just the heat, it's the ammonia and moisture.

I once read an Ag textbook that said that calves would die from bad air if kept in the average, modern, sealed house. Animals need fresh air, not just correct temperatures.

 

[RebeccaRN]

Hi all!
New member and new chicken mom here! I have a question about ventilation for my coop. I have a decent size coop (a converted shed) that currently houses 15 teenagers (about 3 months old). I live in Texas where it gets very hot, so my husband and I installed an AC unit and insulated the entire coop. Currently we do not have any open areas for ventilation because we thought that would defeat the purpose of keeping the coop cool. We figured the AC unit would filter out the dirty air (it has a reusable removable filter that we clean everyday) and be sufficient enough in keep the air quality up to par. So, are we correct? Or do we still need to have windows open too?
~Angela

Do they just sleep in there at night and come outside during the day?

 

[Parront]

It sounds like you really care about your chickens. A good outdoor run would help a lot. Ammonia build-up could be a problem in an air-conditioned shed. Here is what another TX member built: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/texas-coop-build-pic-heavy.1371038/

 

[Ang757]

Do they just sleep in there at night and come outside during the day?

Yes, they do.

 

[Ang757]

It sounds like you really care about your chickens. A good outdoor run would help a lot. Ammonia build-up could be a problem in an air-conditioned shed. Here is what another TX member built: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/texas-coop-build-pic-heavy.1371038/

Thank you!!!

 

[Ang757]

I cannot imagine any ordinary, home AC unit being capable of either exchanging a sufficient amount of air to ensure the chickens' health or surviving the intense dust load from the dander and the bedding.

You need 1 square foot of ventilation per chicken to maintain good air quality. I don't know what rate that exchanges the air at, but I'm certain that no home AC unit provides it.

It's not just the heat, it's the ammonia and moisture.

I once read an Ag textbook that said that calves would die from bad air if kept in the average, modern, sealed house. Animals need fresh air, not just correct temperatures.

Thank you for the info!!!

 

[Parront]

Posting a photo is always a good way to get more exact answers to your question. Oh, and Welcome to BYC!
Here is what I did in my shed which is acting as a brooder right now.

Big opening with a box fan acting as an exhaust fan.

This turns the fan on when the temp in the shed is 78 and off at 72 degrees. It keeps the shed pretty much the same as outside in the shade temps. cool water with ice in it can help, too. Frozen blocks of ice made in an old milk jug just sitting in a pan of water in the shade outside gives them a nice place to cool off.

 

[aart]

I cannot imagine any ordinary, home AC unit being capable of either exchanging a sufficient amount of air to ensure the chickens' health or surviving the intense dust load from the dander and the bedding.

Ditto Dat!!

 

[Ang757]

Posting a photo is always a good way to get more exact answers to your question. Oh, and Welcome to BYC!
Here is what I did in my shed which is acting as a brooder right now. View attachment 2229726
Big opening with a box fan acting as an exhaust fan.
View attachment 2229729
This turns the fan on when the temp in the shed is 78 and off at 72 degrees. It keeps the shed pretty much the same as outside in the shade temps. cool water with ice in it can help, too. Frozen blocks of ice made in an old milk jug just sitting in a pan of water in the shade outside gives them a nice place to cool off.

Thank you!!! I really like this idea!