Draft vs. Ventilation

[DDB]

Sorry if has been done--blah, blah, blah.

Do-gooders, people that like to just comment on posts, thanks. Pass.

I'd like to hear from chicken veterans: DEFINE VENT VERSUS DRAFT.

I'd like to do the right thing first time around. In my build, I believe I've avoided draft and provided ventilation. I think. I'm willing to drill more holes, but that seems like a solution too easy, or one that doesn't need solved.

If you give solid input, thank you very much.

DD

 

[cavemanrich]

Lets define both.
Ventilation,,,, Good steady air movement so moisture, and other unwanted things like ammonia are removed from coop air.
Draft,,, Wind induced air movement to point where chickens feathers are moved.
In most cases it is ideal to provide ventilation well above chickens heads as they are on their roosts. It is also good to provide a small amount low in coop to provide take in air. Pop door open or partially open during stronger winds will do,
Post some pix of your coop and the ventilation that you provided. I will tag @aart ,,, as one of the leaders in coop ventilation.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I know you have been here some time, but started to post

 

[DDB]

Thank you.

Your answer is about what I expected. For whatever it's worth/fun for readers, I repaired pneumatic systems, we tested in K temps for flow. Chickens--I have no idea what any of it means. Thanks a bunch.

DD

 

[aart]

If you give solid input, thank you very much.

Hard to give 'solid' input, as what you ask is hard to define,
and will vary with each coop configuration and the site/climate where it resides.
I understand your frustration, I used to design equipment enclosures under hepas in clean rooms, we used some air flow devices on the hepa units but mostly 'smoke' and videos.

Basically you want as much air infiltration as possible without feather ruffling drafts.
'Feather ruffling' is meant literally, if the birds feathers are being ruffled they can't hold their heat and may become chilled in winter.
Air movement is good, feather ruffling drafts are bad.
Temps and humidity inside and outside coop should be about the same,
with some lags as the day progresses.

It's not something that can be absolutely defined with hard numbers, tho many attempt to do so. Best to get in the coop on windy day and feel the airflow, or some folks hang thin strips of material and observe it's movement thru windows or a coop cam. Observation and adjustment. You want as much ventilation as possible up high as most warm moist ammonia laden air rises, with some down low to floor. Keep this 'line of flow' away from roosts. Some adjustabilty in venting is good, for change of season and extreme weather events.

Here's pretty good discussion about..
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1048597/ventilated-but-free-of-drafts

 

[DDB]

Excellent information. Thank you.