how do you test for drafts inside the coop?

[karmical]

Just wondering how (or if, for that matter) you're supposed to test for drafts inside the coop?

Also wondering...what's the difference between a "draft" and "ventilation"? Apologies if that's a dumb question!

Thanks!
-Tracy

 

[broncbuster07]

The best way to see if you have drafts is by watching your birds' feathers while they're in the coop.

The difference between drafts and ventilation is that drafts allow the air to move inside of the coop while proper ventilation allows air to pass in and out of the coop with little or no air movement inside the coop.

 

[skatcatla]

Ooh, good answer broncbuster!

 

[arlee453]

that was a better answer than I had - I was going to suggest you sleep in there on a cold night. If you feel the wind go by, you have a draft. If you can breathe OK come morning, you have adequate ventiliation.

If the chicken poo fumes get to you and you aren't able to breathe by the morning, then whoever inherits your chickens will need to add more vents in the coop.

Just kiddin of course!

 

[chickenfeathers]

In my coop, I watch to see if the spider webs are blowing.

I know, I'm bad.

 

[ozark hen]

Quote:
PERFECT!! You might put some glitter on them so they show up.

just kidding, don't want our chickens digesting glitter now do we?

 

[chickenfeathers]

 

[TxChiknRanchers]

A lit candle would work, supervised of course.

 

[tazcat70]

Ok, how do you test it if your coop is 3x3? I close the door and I can't see in, if I am able to see in, well there is a big hole!

Just "wing" it?

Most of them sleep on the floor in the pine chips in a puppy pile. (they are 2-3 mos)

Tonya

 

[broncbuster07]

Tazcat, may I suggest you install a roost of some sort? We all know that heat rises. I assume that you are/will be using a heat lamp or other warming method on cold nights. If you let the birds roost toward the top of the coop, then you can have a small door at the bottom for observation without losing any heat. Savvy?