How much ventilation would i need for this coop?

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC.

I can't comment in re: the snowload issues that have been brought up because I don't have the necessary engineering knowhow to calculate the weight, but here are the usual guidelines about space and ventilation:

For each adult, standard-sized hen you need:

• 4 square feet in the coop (.37 square meters)
• 10 square feet in the run (.93 square meters),
• 1 linear foot of roost (.3 meters),
• 1/4 of a nest box,
• And 1 square foot (.09 square meters) of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation, preferably located over the birds' heads when they're sitting on the roost.

4 hens

• 16 square feet in the coop. 4'x4' is the only really practical build for this given the common dimensions of lumber.
• 4 feet of roost
• 40 square feet in the run. 4'x10' or 5'x8'. 6'x6' is a bit too small, 6'x8' is more generous and easier to build than 5'x8'.
• 4 square feet of ventilation. A 2'x2' window is theoretically enough, but in practice doesn't create any air FLOW so better to spread the venting around (and even better to exceed the minimums, especially in warm climates).
• 2 nest boxes, to give the hens a choice

6 hens

• 24 square feet in the coop. 4'x6' is the only really practical build for this given the common dimensions of lumber. If you can't walk into it, put the access door in the middle of the long side to make sure you can reach all areas of the coop because a stubborn chicken WILL press itself into/lay an egg in the back corner where you can't reach.
• 6 feet of roost
• 60 square feet in the run. 6'x10' or 8'x8'.
• 6 square feet of ventilation.
• 2 nest boxes, to give the hens a choice

The size of your playhouse is about right for 3 hens and adding ventilation at the top is the right idea.

You'll want to include generous roof overhangs on all 4 sides to protect the vents from the weather. I used to live in western Mass -- in Monson -- and I know that snow can pile up quite significantly. Not only do you need to have protection from sideways rain during nor'easters, but you have to leave enough clearance that piled snow can't block off the air.

If you can't extend the roof you'll want to give your vents top-hinged covers that will form their own awnings.

 

[DickMidnight]

I found this one: https://www.walmart.com/ip/KidKraft...with-EZ-Kraft-Assembly/928534389?athbdg=L1800

while the size is more appropriate, i think the design is a little problematic.

all of those windows leave very little space for roosting bars, and the place drafty ventilation directly at the height of your birds while roosting.

you’d have to board up several of those openings to create a draft-free roost space and then cut additional ventilation above the roosts.

 

[Windrider]

You might find it easier to find and buy a small shed to convert. The only difficult thing about converting a shed would be putting in the ventilation, and people here can advise on the easiest way to do that.

Since you already have the small wooden kid's playhouse, you could use that as a shelter in the run, or as a nest box area. It really is only big enough for a few nest boxes.

 

[MaggieTheGenZChickGirl]

You might find it easier to find and buy a small shed to convert. The only difficult thing about converting a shed would be putting in the ventilation, and people here can advise on the easiest way to do that.

Since you already have the small wooden kid's playhouse, you could use that as a shelter in the run, or as a nest box area. It really is only big enough for a few nest boxes.

The problem is even the cheapest sheds I have found are way too expensive, I can only afford $500, maybe $700 but that’s pushing it.

Edit: whoops only meant to reply to windrider, not sure why it did that.

 

[Windrider]

If you have some way of moving a small shed or coop, check on Craig's List. In my area, there are always a few used ones for sale relatively cheap. Often there are playhouses listed that were built by dads, playhouses that are more shed like and better for converting. That playhouse you posted could be converted, but it would take more work and skill than a plain old shed.

 

[CKfarm22]

The problem is even the cheapest sheds I have found are way too expensive, I can only afford $500, maybe $700 but that’s pushing it.

Edit: whoops only meant to reply to windrider, not sure why it did that.

Did you look on facebook market place, sometimes they have some for sale. Or even used chicken coops

 

[MaggieTheGenZChickGirl]

Did you look on facebook market place, sometimes they have some for sale. Or even used chicken coops

Yes, I have checked craigslist, OfferUp, FB marketplace, etc. and nothing. I have figured out a plan for that second play house and I think I’m going to go with that. I would cover up the large windows on the left and right, and cover the windows in the front and back with hardware cloth. Between the roof is where I would make the ventilation. I watched a tutorial on how to put it together and it seems as though the entire piece doesn’t even need to be put in and the set will still go together, so there would be no cutting of the play set to get ventilation which is what I need.

 

[CKfarm22]

Yes, I have checked craigslist, OfferUp, FB marketplace, etc. and nothing. I have figured out a plan for that second play house and I think I’m going to go with that. I would cover up the large windows on the left and right, and cover the windows in the front and back with hardware cloth. Between the roof is where I would make the ventilation. I watched a tutorial on how to put it together and it seems as though the entire piece doesn’t even need to be put in and the set will still go together, so there would be no cutting of the play set to get ventilation which is what I need.

I’m glad you figured it out! But if it was me i would definitely think about it more before you do it. I made that mistake with the first coop we built and how hard it was to clean out and not being able to walk into it. And we ended up building a new one not even a year later because of how difficult everything was in a tiny coop. I would hate for you to spend money on something that isn’t going to be good in the long run!

 

[MaggieTheGenZChickGirl]

I’m glad you figured it out! But if it was me i would definitely think about it more before you do it. I made that mistake with the first coop we built and how hard it was to clean out and not being able to walk into it. And we ended up building a new one not even a year later because of how difficult everything was in a tiny coop. I would hate for you to spend money on something that isn’t going to be good in the long run!

I’ve been trying to figure out how to put it on a raised platform so cleaning wouldn’t be as much of an issue, and so I wouldn’t have to bend over much for the eggs. Ive been brainstorming for months now and a playhouse seems like the best bang for my buck with the budget I’ve got. I guess figuring out easy ways to modify it to make cleaning easier will be the next step.

 

[CKfarm22]

I’ve been trying to figure out how to put it on a raised platform so cleaning wouldn’t be as much of an issue, and so I wouldn’t have to bend over much for the eggs. Ive been brainstorming for months now and a playhouse seems like the best bang for my buck with the budget I’ve got. I guess figuring out easy ways to modify it to make cleaning easier will be the next step.

How handy are you with power tools? Or do you know of someone that could help you out with power tools?