Chicken run with top ventilation

[Coopcheney]

I have my 4 ladies in a 10 x 20 chicken run in bad weather or rain. The coop they sleep in is inside this run. They usually have an acre to roam that’s covered in poultry netting. Im in south New Jersey and it’s cold rain/snow and I want to make sure this air ventilation at the top of the chicken run is ok or if I should cover the whole run. I ask because sometimes rain or snow depending on wind will trickle in the run. Any thoughts? The run is also ten feet high. I am a new chicken owner and it’s my first winter and I find myself constantly worried about them in cold weather.

 

[kengboss21]

This is adequate ventilation, don’t worry about them in the cold they’re so hardy. I have chicks outside no heat 5 weeks old rn. But i would just see if its a mud bath after some rain, if its a little bit in the run its fine. If its too much extend some roofing above it to shed rain and snow.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Is that ALL the ventilation in the run? It's likely not going to be enough to let moisture out. If you see condensation inside that will confirm it.

Chickens won't die getting rain and snow on them. But moisture can lead to frostbite and respiratory issues.

 

[Coopcheney]

Is that ALL the ventilation in the run? It's likely not going to be enough to let moisture out. If you see condensation inside that will confirm it.

Chickens won't die getting rain and snow on them. But moisture can lead to frostbite and respiratory issues.

Well there are also doors to chunnels that are open too

 

[rosemarythyme]

Well there are also doors to chunnels that are open too

I don't think that's nearly enough but you can adjust as you go. I'd want to open at least the top few feet on all walls (maybe leaving predominant direction as the only full wall). The air should be as dry and crisp inside the run as it is outside.

Caveat: I don't winterize at all, but I have mostly moderate winters with maybe a foot of snow. My birds can figure out for themselves where to shelter in case of rain, snow or wind, though I do shovel pathways in the snow since they won't leave the coop otherwise.

 

[Coopcheney]

I don't think that's nearly enough but you can adjust as you go. I'd want to open at least the top few feet on all walls (maybe leaving predominant direction as the only full wall). The air should be as dry and crisp inside the run as it is outside.

Caveat: I don't winterize at all, but I have mostly moderate winters with maybe a foot of snow. My birds can figure out for themselves where to shelter in case of rain, snow or wind, though I do shovel pathways in the snow since they won't leave the coop otherwise.

I might just do that! Thank you. I am learning so much and just want the girls to have a good life.

 

[David61]

I only put plastic on one side of my open air coop/run. The northside to block the winter gail wind and rains. That allows enough air movement to dry the floor and not be damp. all you need is a wind block not totally enclosed.