Finishing my coop but need help

[rosinsk1772]

A few questions I was hoping someone could help answer:

1.) do I need to keep the coop air tight? I have three real windows, but have left a small gap at the roof for air exchange.

2.) if I create a loft or second level in the coop does that increase the square footage for the coop so I can add more chickens?

3.) should I include multiple roosts?

Thanks

 

[chargerpride]

1. Yes you should have it air tight if you plan on heating or cooling it

 

[rosinsk1772]

Heating or cooling? Should I be running hvac into this?

 

[21hens-incharge]

Ventilation is very important. I found the following helpful.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

None of my coops are air tight at all. I left soffits open on my smallest coop and added hardware cloth as well as screen to keep mice and wasps out. It ended up being a bit much since the north wind blew in one side. I block the north ones in the winter and leave the south ones open year round. No frostbite or other issues even when we went to 15 below here.

Happy chickening.

 

[chargerpride]

You should have windows that can let air in in the summer and keep heat in in the winter

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Say you use 2x4's for the rafters and let them overhang, installing them flat would be enough ventilation for winter. Windows for extra open air in summer is always nice too. Purina Mills has good plans that illustrate what I mean for roof venting. Their placement of nesting box is too high though and keep in mind how much liter you want to use when putting in the door, 6 inches from floor would be good.

http://poultry.purinamills.com/stellent/groups/public/documents/web_content/ecmp2-0160674.pdf

Putting in a loft I don't believe is practical. Chickens are either roosting or pecking about. A loft would become a roosting/ egg nesting poop filled haven.

 

[rosinsk1772]

That is extremely helpful thank you!