Coop ventilation windows

[mowin]

we have the frame built already. the raised coop will measure 12x8' and 12' inside height. So I think we should have plenty of space for ventilation under the eaves and ridge cap. does there need to be any ventilation openings near the bottom of the coop?

@3KillerBs the drawing of the blowing chicken made me laugh, definitely don't want that

I have two 2x8" openings on opposite sides of the coop at floor level. I believe it definitely helps with air flow.
Your 12' high coop might not need it though. Also, ridge caps can get covered in snow, making them ineffective.

 

[DobieLover]

I do think its cute for them to have a view from their roosts, but I don't think its right for our cold winters. Also our chicks don't go in their coop at all during the day (its summer) is it normal for them to do so? Are the cross breezes needed for warm nights? It's 60-65 degrees usually at night during summer here.

I'm in upstate NY too.
The windows are cracked open starting in April, opened wide by May.
If the flock can leave the coop as soon as they come off the roost, they will. I keep food and water in the covered run.

 

[Chickolett]

Thanks so much, we are still trying to figure out our coop layout. We are first time chicken owners.

I guess we can put lower windows (under the roosts) and just leave them open during summer. What temps do chickens appreciate a draft? @mowin is 45 degrees about right?

 

[Chickolett]

I have two 2x8" openings on opposite sides of the coop at floor level. I believe it definitely helps with air flow.
Your 12' high coop might not need it though. Also, ridge caps can get covered in snow, making them ineffective.

Do you just cover them up somehow during winter?

 

[3KillerBs]

Thanks so much, we are still trying to figure out our coop layout. We are first time chicken owners.

I guess we can put lower windows (under the roosts) and just leave them open during summer. What temps do chickens appreciate a draft? @mowin is 45 degrees about right?

I personally don't put a direct draft on the roosts, partially because I don't want to always have to be tweaking windows. See how I have the low window here arranged so that air flows past the chickens but not right on them?

 

[Chickolett]

I personally don't put a direct draft on the roosts, partially because I don't want to always have to be tweaking windows. See how I have the low window here arranged so that air flows past the chickens but not right on them?

View attachment 3148469View attachment 3148470

ok yes that makes sense. I think the coop is big enough I can position a lower vent and have airflow away from the roosts. And this should be good for winter too right?

 

[3KillerBs]

ok yes that makes sense. I think the coop is big enough I can position a lower vent and have airflow away from the roosts. And this should be good for winter too right?

I'd put a top-hinged cover on it so you can reduce the airflow or even close it completely for winter.

The fact that you're making your coop so tall is fabulous for ventilation. It enables you to have lots of air exchange without drafts.

 

[Chickolett]

I'd put a top-hinged cover on it so you can reduce the airflow or even close it completely for winter.

The fact that you're making your coop so tall is fabulous for ventilation. It enables you to have lots of air exchange without drafts.

Ok that's what's confusing to me. Ive been reading how ventilation is so important to prevent frostbite. So the upper vents would be enough in winter by themselves? Im gathering that because of the large size of our coop it should be enough? I did read that big coops are better for cold temperatures, which is counter to what I thought (chickens huddled together in a small space for warmth).

So in a smaller coop the lower vents would be kept open in winter, but in my case of a large coop we will cover them? Am I understanding correctly?

Thanks so much for your help.

 

[3KillerBs]

Ok that's what's confusing to me. Ive been reading how ventilation is so important to prevent frostbite. So the upper vents would be enough in winter by themselves? Im gathering that because of the large size of our coop it should be enough? I did read that big coops are better for cold temperatures, which is counter to what I thought (chickens huddled together in a small space for warmth).

So in a smaller coop the lower vents would be kept open in winter, but in my case of a large coop we will cover them? Am I understanding correctly?

Thanks so much for your help.

You'll want the full necessary square footage of ventilation -- the 1 square foot per adult, standard-size hen thing -- up high for permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation no matter what size the coop is.

The other ventilation is supplemental to help keep the coop more comfortable in hot weather.

A large, tall coop is easier to work with because you're not jamming everything into the minimum possible space.

My Little Monitor Coop is carefully designed to meet all the minimums -- just barely and with no room to spare.

A larger coop is much more flexible and easier to deal with.

 

[Chickolett]

You'll want the full necessary square footage of ventilation -- the 1 square foot per adult, standard-size hen thing -- up high for permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation no matter what size the coop is.

The other ventilation is supplemental to help keep the coop more comfortable in hot weather.

A large, tall coop is easier to work with because you're not jamming everything into the minimum possible space.

My Little Monitor Coop is carefully designed to meet all the minimums -- just barely and with no room to spare.

A larger coop is much more flexible and easier to deal with.

ok, perfect, thank you!