Designing a coop - where to put the ventilation?

[Kaley]

Hello, I'm currently in the process of designing a coop in google sketchup and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to put the ventilation. Coop area is about 4x2x3. squares are where the doors will go and bottom part is storage.

 

[Percheron chick]

Most people would just cut about 4 1" circles at the peak. Both sides. They make a drill bit with a circle saw blade.
Provide more details of the flock you want to build for including climate. You are sized for 3 hens and only need 1 nest box. Only 2' tall will be hot and have poor air quality. It will also be a royal PIA to clean.

 

[rosemarythyme]

4L x 2W? That's not including nests I assume? Any way to size it up? That's a lot of nest bays for a coop that only holds 2, maybe 3 birds. Very little wall space to work with makes it hard to put vents anywhere.

 

[Chad Oftedal]

If you're set on that design, at the minimum, I'd put in a ridge vent that went that full 4 ft length. Then I'd see if you couldn't do a small front and back gables up under the peaks. Also, be sure to give yourself some overhangs on the sides and front and back.

 

[Kaley]

We have four standard-sized chickens, and we live in Dallas which has hot and sometimes humid summers, and mild to cold winters. I was afraid it might be too small. The space we have marked out for a run is about 6x8. I'm considering either moving the run to a place that is 8x8, or expanding the current one but the problem is an existing tree.

 

[Chad Oftedal]

Is the coop inside or outside of the run space? For 4 birds, 8x8 would certainly be respectable. The coop inside the run would give them some shade if you did it elevated like you are showing here, but come at a cost of that 8x8 space. You're definitely on the right track in thinking this through ahead of time. Certainly agree with others that you really would only need 2 nests. I have 8, and they share a medium sized roll-out nest box. I've had 2 in mine at one time, and they manage. Also, the size of the coop is a factor, see about bumping out on one end or side for your next boxes. Then you maximize the space on the inside for the birds. Finally, what are you thinking you'd use the storage for? I'm thinking unless you have specific things you want out there easily accessible, it might be better to go without. I certainly don't know your goals in that area, so storage may make a lot of sense, but if it is easily carried stuff, again more room for the birds would be my first choice.

 

[aart]

Hello, I'm currently in the process of designing a coop in google sketchup and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to put the ventilation. Coop area is about 4x2x3. squares are where the doors will go and bottom part is storage.

In TX you want mostly mesh walls.
Why the odd shape?
Are those nests sticking out?
Here's some tip on heights:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

 

[Percheron chick]

In Texas, you don't need or want a traditional coop especially something so small. Think aviary. Open on 3 sides with only a back wall. Maximize air flow. They only need protection from big winds and driving rain. Check out hoop coop. Fast, easy and cheap to put up and all the air they can handle

 

[Kaley]

In Texas, you don't need or want a traditional coop especially something so small. Think aviary. Open on 3 sides with only a back wall. Maximize air flow. They only need protection from big winds and driving rain. Check out hoop coop. Fast, easy and cheap to put up and all the air they can handle

Even when the temp drops to less than17 F? I'd also be super concerned about predators with an open coop.

 

[Percheron chick]

You still have secure hardware cloth sides. Just not wood. You can also add removable wood or rollup canvas sides so you can add protection if needed.
My chickens have been housed in a horse stall. Wood half way up and wire on the top. They are fine in negative temps.
Heat is much more stressful and kills more chickens than cold.