Coop design

[ManO'War]

I have a 5'x6' trailer that was a pig roasting bbq that I plan on building a tractor coop on for 6 hens. I want to build 3' walls with a 4.5' at the peak steel roof with a roof vent along the 6' length. Gable vent at both sides. Will this be enough winter ventilation?

It will have a 2'x4' window on each wall for summer ventilation as well. I plan on pine shaving deep litter.

Also, what night time temps do drafts hurt chickens? I live in northern MI and even summer nights can be in the 40's. Not sure when to close the windows.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Peak ventilation should be coupled with low ventilation in order to work properly, in the same way air comes in the attic soffits and goes out through the peak. For the warm and moist air to exit there has to be a source of fresh air, and you don't want it to be at nearly the same level or you get minimal air exchange.

I usually close the windows when nights are cold enough to warrant a sweatshirt or light jacket. Make sure you have enough alternative sources of ventilation so moisture doesn't build up in the coop when the windows are closed. If you have windows on several sides of the coop then you can usually just close the one that has air coming in, if there is a breeze and they are at roost level.

 

[ManO'War]

You know I forgot about where the roof joins the walls; there will be hardware cloth
covered openings there.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC from another Michigainian!
Might want to check out the Michigan Chat Thread.

I'd go taller than 3 ft walls.

Yes, eave vents are great for winter and all year,
provided you have a good roof overhang,
and you may have to baffle them in places depending on prevailing wind direction.

Do you plan on 'parking' the tractor in winter?


Here's my theory on the 'stack up' aspect to coop design:
Bottom of pop door is best about 8" above floor so bedding doesn't get dragged out of coop.

Nice to have bottom of nests about 18" above bedding to allow use of that floor space under them(doesn't count if your nests are mounted on outside of coop).

Roosts are best about 12" higher than nests so birds won't roost(sleep) in nests and poop in them, if you use poop boards under roosts it will also 'stretch' your floor space.

Upper venting works best as high as possible above roosts so no strong drafts hit roosts in winter...and hot/moist air and ammonia can rise and exit coop.