Help me design ventilation for this coop please

[Susan-B]

I’ll be getting one like this. We will add 1 or 2 windows, and the ridges along the roofline allow airflow. But I’m also going to add some ventilation along the top of the walls. No overhang or soffit and need to maintain some structural support as well. Feel free to draw some ideas on the picture
Thank you!!

 

[3KillerBs]

How about cutting vents all around the top and using the cut-out pieces as awnings to keep the rain out?

That is, to cover the holes with hardware cloth then use hinges at the top so that you can prop the covers open?

How many chickens will be living there?

 

[21hens-incharge]

I do have the option to make the roofline like this but it costs an extra $350 (ouch)
View attachment 2630704

If they can customize to make this type roof it's worth asking if they can increase the slope on the style you are getting and increase the overhang so rain isn't pouring directly at the base.

Maybe they can add the venting as well. It's easier to do while building the walls and they have the tools.

 

[21hens-incharge]

They don’t do that much customization. It’s basically modular units. This A frame is the one “custom” thing I can change

Well poop.

For real I would end up taking the siding off to rip a 12" section off the top to make vents. I however have the tools and confidence in my building to be able to do that.

Trying to cut it while it is vertical is not only difficult it has its own dangers.
Saws near face or above head freak me out.

 

[Susan-B]

Can you raise the roof 4-6 inches on one side to allow for drainage and improved airflow?

I'd be very concerned with how that roof would handle snow load and heavy rain since it appears that the roofing material is almost completely unsupported.

No I can’t, I don’t have that ability. Cutting window holes is about as advanced as it gets LOL.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Interesting.... All the framing is on the outside...well except for that ripped down 2x4 as a rafter.

That is not the normal way walls are built.

 

[Susan-B]

Interesting.... All the framing is on the outside...well except for that ripped down 2x4 as a rafter.

That is not the normal way walls are built.

Do you have ideas on adding ventilation? Thx

 

[21hens-incharge]

Do you have ideas on adding ventilation? Thx

That is a tough one. That framing is just plain weird.

What tools do you have and are ok with using?
Jig saw? Able to cut a sraight(ish) line?

Anyone that is reasonably skilled that can come lend a hand?

You can see below how I framed and made windows on one of my coops.

If you did similar but made them short and wide up high on the wall that could work as ventilation while keeping the wet out.

 

[Susan-B]

That is a tough one. That framing is just plain weird.

What tools do you have and are ok with using?
Jig saw? Able to cut a sraight(ish) line?

Anyone that is reasonably skilled that can come lend a hand?

You can see below how I framed and made windows on one of my coops.

If you did similar but made them short and wide up high on the wall that could work as ventilation while keeping the wet out.
View attachment 2630678View attachment 2630680View attachment 2630681

I don’t have any tools (My boyfriend has some, not sure what). I have some physical limitations and can try and ask my BF to do some stuff, just not sure what he’s able to do

 

[3KillerBs]

So 10 chickens = 10 square feet of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation.

You probably want to leave the wall that faces the winter winds solid or to put a window in for supplemental ventilation during the summer.

So, 10 linear feet of 12" high vents OR 20 linear feet of 6" high vents OR 15 linear feet of 8" high vents would each give you the necessary airflow.

I'd put the vents right up by the roof and the roosts low enough that the chickens heads were well below them when they're sleeping.