First Winter

[Sherry W.]

this my girls first winter and I am so paranoid about my coop design. Is the ramp door enough ventilation for my girls. We put a ridge vent under the shingles but do not have any additional high ventilation. Worried about moisture rising and causing frostbite.

 

[andreanar]

YOu have a vent under the roof overhang? You could also lower the roost bar a little so they are under the draft. I use Vaseline or coconut oil on big combs and wattles when it gets really cold. Make sure your roost bar is big enough that your chickens can lay their feet flat and cover them with their body.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/

 

[Sherry W.]

The ridge vent is at the peak of the roof to allow heat to escape. Not sure how it would work in the winter for moisture. Escuse the poo as today is cleaning day.......They have 2 roost bars although they prefer the Dow rod over the 2x4.

 

[TalkALittle]

They probably prefer the dowel rod because it is higher than the 2x4. The interior pic shows no venting at the eaves. If you are in an area that gets snow, once some accumulates on the roof it will block your venting at the ridge.

I'd cut a 4 inch hole at the peak of both those gable walls and install vents there and lower that top perch a bit.

 

[Sherry W.]

Thank you for your feedback. I am definitely installing vents on either side. I will have to think about the perch due to the access door. The bracket it right above the door so I can’t lower it. What are your thought if heated watered in the coop. Will it cause moisture?

 

[Kiki]

Check this article out:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/

 

[Kiki]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/

 

[RonP]

One aspect to consider when relying on ridge vents is that they become all but useless if covered, thinking about snow.

 

[barn206]

You might want to consider putting the vent on the south or east side of your coop. If you cut a whole near the eave , screw heavy wire lathe to the wood,Then screw a 4x6 inch vent over the wire lathe.. it will probably do the trick and be an extra barrier against predators (weasels/rodents etc)
Great coop btw!