Fan placement in the coop

[DavidReaves]

This might be another option. Put them through the wall fairly low, then allow them to run to pull air into the coop and out top vents? If you wanted to get really fancy, a rechargeable 12V battery inline and a heat activated switch would keep a more consistent airflow.

10W Solar "waterproof" Fan Kit

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

I have a little solar fan as well, it is basic but does the trick for a gentle airflow around the ladies. https://amzn.to/3maQQRP is mine, I got it in black.

 

[southwestclucker]

Hi! Can you send me a link of the solar fan you're using? I've been looking for one to no avail.

I got this one (it was 20 bucks cheaper when I ordered it on May 26....) it just arrived, so I have not installed it yet. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09MB7DWHN/

 

[BarnyardChaos]

I'm in Missouri, too - and have two coops I'm trying to keep tolerable in this heat. 100-deg coming on Saturday, with heat indices up to 109!

I use cheap box fans and run extension cords, and 2-liter bottles of ice. I keep roof vents and all windows wide open. I run fans on high all day, and keep them on the lowest setting at night. (I have a LOT of birds; this keeps humidity low and dries out bedding on the floor.)

In the larger coop (8x32 divided by wall and door screened with chicken wire) I have a box fan near the center of the coop, directly in front of the dividing screen door and about 18" off the floor, blowing into the roosting and nesting area. It pulls air through windows behind it, and forces it out the south windows and roof vent. I evict any stubborn broodies from their nests, and hold their bellies in front of the fan for a minute or two before releasing them in the run.

In the smaller coop (7x16) I've got one fan in front of one window (northeast facing) blowing IN, and slightly angled upwards. It actually stays cooler in there than the outside temps in the sun. In this coop I have chicks with no run - they stay closed up all day. I throw in a couple of frozen 2-liter bottles at about noon, and they can huddle close to those when needed. At 5:00 there's still a little ice in them. Near the floor, it actually stays fairly nice in there. Helps that it's a well-insulated camper trailer painted white.

I also have a small brooder coop (4x8) with one large window and screen door, but has a hot tin roof and wood walls that haven't been painted yet. Birds have filled most of the vent areas at the roofline with nests, so there's not enough ventilation up high. I've got an oscillating stand fan in there, placed near the window blowing in and slightly upwards, but this brooder is only used at temps below 90-degrees. It's not in use at the moment, and won't be until cooler weather and until I can make renovations.

Hope this helps with your plans!