how much ventilation will i need for an 8x8 coop......

[redhen]

i already have 2 basement type windows(32x17 each) on the 2 front doors(its a barn style coop)..i have 2 very small gable vents on the back wall(on the bottom)..where the perch is going to be, and i was going to add another window on the side of the coop(for cross ventilation)..but my concern is the window on the side wall will have to be across form my nest boxes...will they get a draft?...also....how much do i open the windows at night?...i want them to have ventilation, but not drafts. thanks,Wendy

 

[speckledhen]

I think you need the option of having lots and lots of ventilation up high on the walls for summer months. Here is the front vent on my original coop which was 8x8. There is a small bsmt type 1' long one on the back wall and a window that opens, too. There was a side window over the roost area, but when we added 12' to the coop, that became a doorway between the two sections. I have the same type in the addition, but the door is divided into sections so I can open all the sections or just one or two.

 

[redhen]

Thanks speckledhen.....my problem is my coop is a barn shape..so the only tall wall i have is the back wall..and its about 7 feet tall..so can i have a window behind the roosts??..thanks,Wendy

 

[speckledhen]

I think a window over the roosts would be fine. I have one that lets hot air out right over my roost, but not directly in front of it. Here it is-this is in the addition:

 

[redhen]

okay..thanks..i get it now(i think)..lol......at night..i can close the windows on the front doors most of the way(they are directly in front of the perches)..and keep a smaller one above the perches open to let out the hot air..thanks, Wendy

 

[patandchickens]

A vent over the roosts is fine for summer, you just won't use it in cold weather is all. I would add more ventilation (even on the door side of the coop) HIGH UP, as Cyn says. In the winter you may not want those windows cracked open down at chicken level but you'll still need the ventilation. I'd put vents on all 4 sides, you may not always use them all at once but it'll be THERE and make your life and your chickens' much simpler.

Have fun,

Pat