Adequate ventilation?

[Nicrom]

I just wanted to make sure I have enough ventilation in our coop. We have two triangular cut outs with hardware cloth. Then a window that will stay open permanently. Is this sufficient for 6 chickens in a 5x5 coop? We are doing the deep bedding method as well.

 

[Nicrom]

Also, the coop has insulated walls, big mistake since they ate a ton of it. We covered them up and they have since stopped.

 

[Brooks_]

I can't tell the size of your vents, but generally 1 square foot of ventilation per bird is recommended..

 

[Nicrom]

I can't tell the size of your vents, but generally 1 square foot of ventilation per bird is recommended..

Ahhh okay! I’ll check that out when I get home. Thanks so much!

 

[3KillerBs]

6 chickens need 6 square feet of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation.

It's very good that your ventilation is right at the very top of the coop because heat and ammonia both rise and need to escape.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Based on visual guesstimates, I'd put you right around 5sq ft of free ventilation. It will do in a pinch, but more is better (and of course, w/o measurements, its REAL hard to tell - even an inch or two can make a huge difference).

That said, if you need to add more ventilation, directly under the eave is weather protected and the highest point under roof, which will help with passive airflow - that's where I would look to add ventilation next. Even it it only gets you 3.5", when multiplied by a 6' width, you pick up approximately 1.75 sq ft of ventilation.

 

[Nicrom]

6 chickens need 6 square feet of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation.

It's very good that your ventilation is right at the very top of the coop because heat and ammonia both rise and need to escape.

That’s very good to know. This is my first time with chicken and I did lots of research but seemed to have dropped the ball here which I realize this is one of the most important. Thank you so much.

 

[Nicrom]

Based on visual guesstimates, I'd put you right around 5sq ft of free ventilation. It will do in a pinch, but more is better (and of course, w/o measurements, its REAL hard to tell - even an inch or two can make a huge difference).

That said, if you need to add more ventilation, directly under the eave is weather protected and the highest point under roof, which will help with passive airflow - that's where I would look to add ventilation next. Even it it only gets you 3.5", when multiplied by a 6' width, you pick up approximately 1.75 sq ft of ventilation.

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This is extremely helpful. We’re willing to do it and cover it with hardware cloth. Whatever is best for the chickens. Thanks so much for taking the time to do that, it’s greatly appreciated.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

That’s very good to know. This is my first time with chicken and I did lots of research but seemed to have dropped the ball here which I realize this is one of the most important. Thank you so much.

If the birds should destroy more of your insulation, don't replace it, they don't need it. They have down coats. We use insulation in our own homes because the human range of comfort is much narrower, and insulation is cheaper than air conditioning or heat (to a point) in that it slows the passage of heat energy from the outside in, or the inside out.

/edit and its great to see a new owner so conscientious! Welcome to BYC, hope you love it here, and that your chicken journey is even better than anticipated.

 

[Nicrom]

If the birds should destroy more of your insulation, don't replace it, they don't need it. They have down coats. We use insulation in our own homes because the human range of comfort is much narrower, and insulation is cheaper than air conditioning or heat (to a point) in that it slows the passage of heat energy from the outside in, or the inside out.

/edit and its great to see a new owner so conscientious! Welcome to BYC, hope you love it here, and that your chicken journey is even better than anticipated.

Yes, we overdid it for sure! I’ll take your advice and not replace the insulation. This forum has been incredibly helpful. I don’t think I’ll ever need to go to google again with all the knowledgeable people here. Thank you again for your input and I look forward to this adventure tending to our chickens.