Help on Ventilation Placement/Ideas

[earth_toes]

Good Morning! I'm having a small issue with coming up with a design for how to work the ventilation at the top of the front of the coop. We have boo-coo's (if that's a word) of ventilation at the top and sides of the coop, but I'm having a hard time with getting the front buttoned up. Who knew something this small would hang up the whole process of finishing this thing up! Top left of the picture is what I'm thinking will work. I mocked up a 1x4 and drilled 1/2" holes across, here's the questions....
1. Do i need to cover these holes with wire? (holes are 1/2" in diameter-hardware cloth is 1/2" openings as well).
2. Do i even need to put ventilation in this spot with how much the rest of the coop has? (pictures of all that too). If i can box this in and still be OK it would save me so much time.
3. The top ventilation is about 6" with a removable board to add another 6" if needed during the hot, humid summer Virginia months. With the current opening of 6", i know there cannot be too much, however, I'm worried about the Winter and frostbite issues. Should i close the gap in more now?

Thanks in advance for the help! Namaste!

 

[aart]

We have boo-coo's (if that's a word)

It is.....Beaucoup

1. Do i need to cover these holes with wire? (holes are 1/2" in diameter-hardware cloth is 1/2" openings as well).

First thought is....I would remove the pieces of wood with the holes and add a fascia to rafter ends and add HC. Have pics of how to on my coop page.

BUT can't really see the rest of the ventilation in the coop itself.
More pics of coop from inside and out all around might help.

That big round window is attractive but might not be great if it faces south with no shade in the summer.

 

[earth_toes]

Interesting spelling, wouldn't have guessed that in a million years lol. I'm heading to your page shortly to check out your plans. Any type of idea is helpful! As for the big window, it's facing West, has a constant shadow on that side from the side of the house and a large gum tree over top of the coop except when the sun starts going down, then it's bright for about an hour or so in the evenings (from what you're seeing in the picture). If it's too much light/heat when the summer is in full swing here, i have some contact paper I've purchased to "tint out their ride" lol. Couldn't pass up that roadside re-purpose find ya know?! Thanks as always!!

 

[Alaskan]

It looks like the run is fully roofed?

If that is the case.... I would make the coop wall that is inside the run a solid wire wall. Only enough wood to keep the wire strong and framed.... so one wall a non-wall..... just wire.

 

[aart]

Interesting spelling

It's a french word...click the link.

It is.....Beaucoup

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Beaucoup is a French word that made it into the US lexicon because of the US occupation of Viet Nam after many years of French occupation. It is one of the first words GIs learned when fighting there.

In a climate like the OP's, I wouldn't worry about frostbite unless they close off the coop with insufficient ventilation. It is precisely the humidity and stale air that contributes to frostbite and respiratory illness.

 

[earth_toes]

Update alert! I've attached more pictures of the coop, inside and outside areas for any more opinions or suggestions @aart I know you asked for more! Ventilation is along the tops of the front (nesting boxes side) and back sides (against the woods) and 3 windows (functioning and wired) have been installed. I feel like I have plenty of ventilation now and can just close off the top areas still open, but, since I'm still so fresh and new at this, any input would be appreciated! Namaste

 

[aart]

Good pics, will have to look more closely later when I can concentrate.

 

[Alaskan]

Update alert! I've attached more pictures of the coop, inside and outside areas for any more opinions or suggestions @aart I know you asked for more! Ventilation is along the tops of the front (nesting boxes side) and back sides (against the woods) and 3 windows (functioning and wired) have been installed. I feel like I have plenty of ventilation now and can just close off the top areas still open, but, since I'm still so fresh and new at this, any input would be appreciated! Namaste

Ok...now I can see!

Great pics and labels!

The first photo where you have labeled "this open or close off" I would leave open... just wired.

 

[aart]

The first photo where you have labeled "this open or close off" I would leave open... just wired.

Agrees!