How much ventilation is needd

[lenn]

Work in progress for the winter. How air tight should it be to keep in the heat and water from freezing. I am assuming they will still lay their eggs in the unheatef boxes.

 

[Judy]

It should not be airtight at all -- and I'm afraid these wouldn't keep the water from freezing, anyway. Dealing with frozen water for those in the North generally nvolves either carrying water or some sort of water heater such as a heated dog water dish or homemade heating setupsuch as this:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/21-heated-water-dish

And here is a thread on this:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/107951/cookie-tin-water-heater/0_20

Here are two ecellent articles on winter coop temps and ventilation, written by a Canadian member:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-coop-temperatures