How much ventilation

[Michael Propst]

Wow I have been busy on these forums but the more I read the more I learn. I inherited a flock of 7 hens from my neighbors when the moved back in July. I also inherited the run and coop they built. I have worked almost every weekend making improvements to the poorly built coop and run. With winter getting ready to set in today I just read about coop ventilation and mine have very little. I am including a picture below. Currently the only air flow is through a 8x12 screened window that is on the door side/front of the coop, this window is level with the chickens while roosting. To help on the draft I have covered the window for the winter with a piece of acrylic that I cut three 1/8" slits in to allow some air flow. The coop itself is 4'6" x 4'6". After reading on ventilation I know I need to provide some a roof level. I have considered a couple options, one would be to get 2"x10" floor register covers with 2 options a single one installed in the center or if more ventilation is required install 2 with one on each peak, option two would be just to drill some 1" holes at the top of the peak. I like the floor register idea as it would allow me to adjust the opening of the vents. If I went the hole options could someone with experience suggest the number of 1" holes to provide proper ventilation. Thanks so much and let me know if I need to provide more information. These forums have been a lifesaver to new chicken owners like me.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

We bought a set of different sizes of THESE from Lowes, and cut holes at the top with the smaller blades. You can then cover with hardware cloth to keep predators out.

 

[Michael Propst]

We bought a set of different sizes of THESE from Lowes, and cut holes at the top with the smaller blades. You can then cover with hardware cloth to keep predators out.

I have large drill bits and hole saws. If I go the hole method I planned on probably 3/4" - 1" holes. Does anyone have a recommendation of how many I would need to drill for proper ventilation? Or is there a calculation I can use to figure this out. As I previously mention the other option is the floor vent diffuser which i would cut a 2x10 hole and insert it. This is the one I would probably purchase https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-2-in-x-10-in-White-Floor-Diffuser-H150MW-02X10/202524972. But again would 2x10 provide enough ventilation, would it be best to insert 2 or go with a 4x10. Thanks for your response

 

[RonP]

As a guide, 1 square foot of draft free ventilation per bird.
That is 144 square inches per bird...

You have 7 birds in a 20.25 square foot coop, a bit over crowded to start, but that is another issue.

A 1" hole equals about .785 square inches.

You would need over 1284 1 inch holes... for 7 birds...

Hope this gives you an idea ...

 

[JackE]

Yeah, the coop is kinda tight for seven. You have time, bump a wall out about three foot or so. You could maybe open up the triangle shaped area, under the roof, to get more fresh air in there. I imagine it gets cold in KS, you probably get snow. That's when you may have some trouble. Because, if your birds are like mine, they'll stay in the coop, when there's snow on the ground. And they will generate some humidity in there. That will set up the conditions for frostbite. I see you have wrapped your run in plastic. You are going to have to remove some of that. Chickens love fresh air.

 

[Michael Propst]

Yeah, the coop is kinda tight for seven. You have time, bump a wall out about three foot or so. You could maybe open up the triangle shaped area, under the roof, to get more fresh air in there. I imagine it gets cold in KS, you probably get snow. That's when you may have some trouble. Because, if your birds are like mine, they'll stay in the coop, when there's snow on the ground. And they will generate some humidity in there. That will set up the conditions for frostbite. I see you have wrapped your run in plastic. You are going to have to remove some of that. Chickens love fresh air.

The north and south side and part of the west are wrapped with plastic. The east wall and part of the west are open and the top is open as well. This is primarily to block the strong north winds. I am assuming do to the small coop when mine arent free ranging the yard this winter they will be in the run so I have tried to block the wind while still keeping it open some. I agree the coop is small. I inherited it from my neighbors when they moved and they obviously did no research when they started their chicken project. I have been fixing and making upgrades from day 1 that I got it. Extending or building a larger coop is on the list but have not been able to complete that and now it will probably have to wait to spring. Thanks all for all of the advice. From my research a chicken should have minimum 4 square feet of coop space per bird which really maxs my current coop out at 5. I am going to do as everything i can to get through this winter and then extend or build a new coop in the spring

 

[aart]

Pics of inside coop and run?

 

[Michael Propst]

Pics of inside coop and run?

Here are some pics of what I currently have. I am planning on buying the lumber this weekend to extend the coop 4 feet making it a 4'x8'. I have already inserted 4"x10" vents in both sides.