Coop Ventilation vs Heat Retention ??

[HenNewbie]

We live in Oregon. We are finishing our coop (converted and elevated 3x3 dog house with attached run) this week. I've asked my coop contractor (i.e. DH) to put ventilation holes (1-1/2") around the top of coop. But if we do this, the girls will lose the heat in the winter. What are some alternatives? And, how do we balance ventilation? During the winter months, is ventilation as important? Thanks, in advanced.

 

[annek]

You need to read pat's ventilation page. I will find the link for you. Ventilation is just as important in the winter to prevent dampness which leads to frostbite and respiration problems. They can deal with cold, they can't deal with ammonia and damp.

 

[annek]

here ya go, also do a search on ventilation

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION

 

[HenNewbie]

Quote:
Thank you. What wonderful information. Now, I am really confused and concerned about my girls needs..... I will have my DH read this and we'll incorporate more ventilation into our plans.

 

[CityChook]

The ventilation will be even more important in the winter in a small coop. Put it up high and preferably on opposite sides of the coop. Yes, you will have some heat loss, but you will also have humidity loss, which is the point. Without proper ventilation, you will have a smelly mess on your hands come wintertime.

Make sure there are no drafts inside your coop. It gets very cold here in MN, but the coop always feels warmer inside than the temperature gauge tells me it is, simply because the air is still and dry. My coop sits around 10F all winter long and I had no problems with frostbite.

Pat's ventilation page is excellent.