How much ventilation is needed?

[Robin'sBrood]

Our 4 chickens are full size now and have outgrown their plastic dog house coop. We have a very large wood dog house that we're getting ready to convert into a coop. As it is now, if we put a door on it there will be no open holes for ventilation. How much do we need to provide for chickens who will be in the coop only at night while they sleep? Are a couple of small holes (covered with wire) at the top on the front and back sides enough? TIA!

 

[joebryant]

Quote:
"small holes" is relative, but I'd say that what you're probably thinking of should be adequate.

 

[LynneP]

With only a small number of birds you should be fine. You can buy little plugs for drilled holes that have screening on them, and they make vents that are screened and can be closed...it's worth a visit to the hardware store, lot of fun to see what might work.

 

[chickenbike]

Have a read through Pat's ventilation page:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION

 

[Robin'sBrood]

Wow, thank you. Never knew that page existed. We've got work to do! :|

 

[chickenbike]

You're welcome!