Coop Ventilation

[Mountaineer]

This will be my first winter with chickens. I have eight hens that are about 8 months old. I have my entire run and coop underneath a carport so rain and snow are not issues. My run is 8' x 15' and my coop is 4' deep x 8' long x 4' high. It is elevated so I can stand outside the coop and clean it. I have river sand in the run and in the coop so scooping poop is easy and I do it every day or every couple of days. Since the coop is under cover I did not put a solid roof on it but only hardware cloth. I also have a window on the long side about 2' long by 9" high and a window on one short side this is about 14" wide and 9" high. The winters here can get very cold...single digit cold. My question is, since I plan on covering the windows with plywood or plexi-glass, should I put a solid roof on the coop or leave it open for ventilation to reduce the chances of moisture accumulation and frost bite. The hen's heads are within a foot of the roof.

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello there, and welcome to Backyard Chickens! So glad you could join us! I started a winter chicken keeping thread a few weeks ago, and it has a ton of knowledgeable members about winter chicken keeping, why don't you post your question there? Here is a link to it:https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ks-for-coping-the-elements-with-your-chickens. Thanks for joining us, I hope you enjoy BYC as much as I have!

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Mountaineer, and ! Pleased you joined our community! CuzChickens gave you a great link to research. Best wishes!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great links already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT

 

[drumstick diva]

I would put a solid roof over the top for winter or they will be snowed in and flooded in spring in your rainy season. They don't need a totally open roof for ventilation. The solid roof, and some hardware cloth covered vents just beneath it for ventilation. I would also put lower roost for the birds don't have a draft blowing on them. You may want to check out the coops section or other advice or suggestions.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Mountaineer]

Thanks, but as I said snow and rain can't get to the coop since it's under a carport.