Coop vent question...

[srd5757]

Now that it's going to start getting cold here I'm wondering about 'winterizing' the coop.
We built the Purina hutch. It has a vent at the top under an overhang on both the front and back that is about 1 1/2" and the length of the coop like 4'. I think I probably need to close them up, but I know they do need some ventilation. How much should I leave open?

 

[KrisH]

check this out https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-coop-temperatures

RobertH

 

[srd5757]

I read that, and looked many other places, but I can't find anything to determine how much ventilation is necessary. If I leave it completely open I think it will be too drafty to retain heat that they'll need when it gets really cold.

 

[JackE]

Leave it as it is. The Purina coop would not be my first choice, but as it is designed, the ventilation is over the birds heads and should work out fine for winter. Don't worry about needing to keep the chickens warm. They are built to handle the cold. You shut that ventilation off you may end up with sick, and/or frostbit birds. Another thing though, How many chickens do you have in there? The purina coop is what, 4X5'? Hopefully you will have ENOUGH ventilation for the winter.
Jack

 

[galanie]

Leave it as it is. The Purina coop would not be my first choice, but as it is designed, the ventilation is over the birds heads and should work out fine for winter. Don't worry about needing to keep the chickens warm. They are built to handle the cold. You shut that ventilation off you may end up with sick, and/or frostbit birds. Another thing though, How many chickens do you have in there? The purina coop is what, 4X5'? Hopefully you will have ENOUGH ventilation for the winter. 
Jack

x2