Coop "doesn't need ventilation"

[EarthToWitness]

Just built up our run, a basic fencing scheme all along the perimeter of the coop. It's a bit of a work in progress... coop and run. can I ventilate this coop effectively without making major alterations?? It is not my coop and I'm under the watchful eye of the coop owner! She said I cannot install windows because "I had chickens once and they were fine without it" kind of attitude. And someone stood there and agreed with her. Great. Any suggestions?? These poor chickens need fresh air. They do have a chicken door but that's nothing. Will post photos asap, phone not cooperating. Front, side, indoor pics, just to give an idea what's going on. And a look at the extension cord situation, for the bulb in the coop. Also, mold outside the coop? What to do about this? Any and all recommendations welcome, this is my first "run".

 

[TearDucks]

Hello,
I don't have chickens, I have ducks. I just cleaned out the coop yesterday. I saw some mold starting on the floor of the coop. I use white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. I spray it, scrub it and let it dry. The vinegar works great on mold and is safe for them too. Hopefully you will figure out an easy way to ventilate it for them. This website has awesome people with great ideas and experiences.

 

[EarthToWitness]

Hello,
I don't have chickens, I have ducks. I just cleaned out the coop yesterday. I saw some mold starting on the floor of the coop. I use white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. I spray it, scrub it and let it dry. The vinegar works great on mold and is safe for them too. Hopefully you will figure out an easy way to ventilate it for them. This website has awesome people with great ideas and experiences.

That's a great start, thank you!

 

[JDN]

I'm sort of confused...is this your Landlady, or are you renting the coop from her?

I don't think i'd invest more than I had to in something that isn't mine.

You're both probably right. Her chickens were probably fine. And they would prefer more light/ventilation.

Otherwise, leave the door open and make the wire door the one you use and just shut the wood one at night/in the winter.

 

[EarthToWitness]

She is my landlady and it is her coop. The chicks are mine!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Ask her if you can drill a few holes along front and back eaves of roof. A hole saw and 4 2-3 inch holes along the front and back under the roof line. That would give some ventilation at least. Cover with hardware cloth.

It's a big coop and probably why her birds did OK through winter with no ventilation. I'd hazard she also heated the coop with incandescant light bulb. During summer your only closing them up over night and it's a big coop so not a lot of worry. It's the winter where the lack of venting allows for high humidity that freezes. Frostbite it the outcome. All livestock should be in dry well ventilated enclosure. Air quality is one reason but frost come cold months is the biggest.

 

[TearDucks]

I agree with egghead_jr. Summer and spring they should be fine. There are many ideas on how to convert things into coops. Check your local craigslist in the free section. Many people use playhouses and old dog houses. If it were me, I'd want my own space to do what I wish. You will be spending a lot of time and energy on the chickens, and money. Totally up to you. Just tossing ideas out there.
If you are comfortable using her coop thats cool too. Sounds like you are being respectful. how are the chicks liking it so far?

 

[Gray Farms]

Agreed. You need more ventilation at the eves to let out excess heat in the summer and to let out moisture in the winter "or you'll get frozen combs".

 

[JDN]

How many birds are you keeping?

 

[Cryss]

I'd get my own coop. I realize this may not be in the cards. Hopefully she will let you drill some holes. Why does she not have her chickens there now? Did she give up because they got sick?