Coop in progress

[IndigoAngel]

We are finally getting around to turning a lean-to into a coop; I would appreciate constructive criticism and suggestions re: ventilation. I have researched plentifully the ventilation requirements per bird, and I *think* that this will be okay but I'm just wanting the opinion of those more experienced than I. I currently have five hens, with the intentions of getting another 6-7; the measurements of the coop are 10x14 so I know I'm good there, especially given that the run will be 10x26- plenty of space for a dozen chickens. I have direct outside ventilation on only two walls, so that is my concern. I will explain the pics below as best I can; hopefully this will make sense. The first pic is of a "wall" that faces north; on the other side of this slatted wall is the area that will be used for storage (old corn crib) that has soffit venting. The second pic is of the inside of the storage area, showing the soffit vent that measures approx. 6" x 28'; it runs the entire length of the lean-to (coop will use only 1/2 the inside space of the lean-to, but is open to the whole of the corn crib area). The third image is of an opening into the hay mow. I realize this is not adequate if it were the only venting but my hope is that everything will continue rising out the ridge cap vent or under eaves venting of the barn, thereby providing some measure of ventilation. I figure it can't hurt anyway. Image #4 is inside the coop facing the front (east facing). You can see that this wall is in progress, but along the top is a 6" gap that runs the whole 10' across (yes, we will cover with hardware cloth). The opening you see will be covered for now, window as time permits installation.
Math is not my strong suit, except for chicken math which makes complete sense to me, but by my estimation this provides adequate ventilation for 15 birds easy. Am I correct in this? Does the haymow ventilation add any value when calculating for number of chickens?

 

[saysfaa]

Awesome!
Yes, plenty of ventilation for 15 chickens!

 

[3KillerBs]

Yes, that looks well-ventilated.

The only trouble I *might* foresee -- and it's by no means certain -- is that if the ridge cap is blocked by snow you *might* get condensation on the underside of the metal roof when the warm, moist air from the chickens can't escape.

 

[IndigoAngel]

Yes, that looks well-ventilated.

The only trouble I *might* foresee -- and it's by no means certain -- is that if the ridge cap is blocked by snow you *might* get condensation on the underside of the metal roof when the warm, moist air from the chickens can't escape.

Thank you for pointing that out! What I am hearing is that I should not count on the haymow ventilation when calculating for number of birds; is that correct?

In this thread, I wondered about some sort of roof venting; would that still be something I should consider? I have also considered an additional open area above the east door. I would rather have more than adequate ventilation than run into a situation that requires emergency modification to the coop. (Ignore the images/details in the other thread; I have since done ore research and modified accordingly)

 

[3KillerBs]

I would rather have more than adequate ventilation than run into a situation that requires emergency modification to the coop.

A terrific attitude.

I just looked through the linked thread and see that I suggested adding a monitor or a functional cupola -- both traditional means of adding draft-free, top-level venting to a barn.

Ridge vents are good in the summer, but are easily blocked by snow whereas if the snow is deep enough to block your monitor/cupola you probably need to clear the roof to protect the structure anyway.

 

[saysfaa]

I would count that opening to the hayloft if the other side isn't blocked by hay but your number of chickens will be limited by your floor space before it will be limited by ventilation even without the hayloft.

 

[IndigoAngel]

I would count that opening to the hayloft if the other side isn't blocked by hay but your number of chickens will be limited by your floor space before it will be limited by ventilation even without the hayloft.

Thanks for pointing that out; the haymow is not used so no concerns about blockage.
I have already showed my husband how we could enlarge the coop if we ever *ahem* acquire too many chickens. It probably says something that I am already planning an extension before this coop is even done.

 

[IndigoAngel]

A terrific attitude.

I just looked through the linked thread and see that I suggested adding a monitor or a functional cupola -- both traditional means of adding draft-free, top-level venting to a barn.

Ridge vents are good in the summer, but are easily blocked by snow whereas if the snow is deep enough to block your monitor/cupola you probably need to clear the roof to protect the structure anyway.

I think we will do the dust test, see how things vent, and maybe look at adding a monitor.
Thank you for your input; much appreciated