Help with ventilation

[CKfarm22]

I need help with fixing ventilation in this coop. We’re new to chicken owning and we build this coop not thinking about winter ventilation and frostbite. We are however building a new one but this one will be here for the winter. Any ideas on how i can fix the ventilation?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Are all those high hatches on the sides for ventilation? If you can top hinge them instead it'll be much easier to prop them open for climate protected ventilation.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yes they’re “windows” but i can easily top hinge them

I forgot how many birds you have but if they can be partially propped open all winter that might be enough ventilation right there.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I only have 4. i would say the windows are about 12”x12” minus a little bit

Yeah I think that'll work out then. Really glad you had those openings in place already, should make this much easier.

 

[DobieLover]

I’m hoping! I’m so scared of them getting frostbite.

Keep it DRY and leave those open. Install interior baffles to direct air flow up if there are drafts at roost height strong enough to open feathers. Don't keep any open water source in the coop. You should get through winter.
Do they have a covered run with wind blocking or somewhere else to get out of the winter weather?

 

[CKfarm22]

Are all those high hatches on the sides for ventilation? If you can top hinge them instead it'll be much easier to prop them open for climate protected ventilation.

Yes they’re “windows” but i can easily top hinge them

 

[CKfarm22]

Yeah I think that'll work out then. Really glad you had those openings in place already, should make this much easier.

I’m hoping! I’m so scared of them getting frostbite.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Oh, what could have been. I'll mention this any way since you are building new coop. With corrugated roofing like that if you leave the ends open to the coop you get a lot of ventilation because of those openings. Or if you don't bring your siding all the way to the top under the overhangs you get great weather protected ventilation. It depends some on how you frame it. You need to cover the opening with hardware cloth for predator protection. This photo might give you some ideas.

For getting through this winter with only four chickens listen to the others. You should be OK.

 

[Folly's place]

Consider getting a thermometer/ hygrometer combination for the coop, so you'll know how things are in there. By the time you have actual condensation inside, it's been way too humid.
Baffling the windward side of the windows will be good, at least. And top hinged shutters are great!
Mary

 

[rosemarythyme]

Probably be easier to advise if you include outside photos from all 4 sides.