How should I ventilate this coop?

[Megaguirus]

So I've been doing a bit of reading on winterizing, and while I'm still getting mixed messages on heating the coop, I am hearing a lot about ventilating, which is something I've never heard about before. I've also read good things about using straw as bedding and insulating, so I'll probably be getting some of that to go with the soft pine shavings.

Anyway, I need your help on how to ventilate it. I've seen simple holes, but I don't think that will protect them from the harsh winter winds and snowstorms. I had an idea about installing some vent covers that can be opened or closed whenever I want. Any ideas? I'm open to anything. I've also included a couple of picks of the coop to give you an idea on its size. It's Merax brand and can hold my three birds pretty snuggly, with no room for more.

Also, while I'm here, I might as well bring up my idea for heating. I was thinking of putting in the Cozy Products chicken coop heater, since it's really more like a heating pad, and only turning it on for the harsh and bitter snowstirms. I'm also going to get a remote thermometer to keep a close eye on their temps, whether I buy or use the heater or not.

Thanks in advance for any replies! I want to make sure I do right by these babies.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

A couple questions. Are there any openings in the building at all? What breeds? How many birds?
With most breeds, they won't need any heat at all. If they don't have big ventilation, you are taking the chance on respiratory disease and possibly frostbite due to moisture buildup.
With your remote thermometer, also get a hygrometer. Knowing the humidity is more important. You'll soon find that the humidity goes sky high in a closed up coop. You'll then want to open up more holes. If heated, that warm moist environment will grow pathogens.
I would at least start with gable vents if not a big window covered with hardware cloth.
I use straw in the run but only pine shavings in the coop.

 

[Megaguirus]

@ChickenCanoe Thanks for the reply! I have three Easter egger chickens. The coop has two openings, the nest box door and the one they use to get in and out. The nest box door stays closed only when I open it and the other one stays open when they are outside. Yes, that is exactly what I've been reading about, so that's why I need to make vents now before the snow comes. (On a side note, I didn't expect to be making this many changes to a pre-built coop, LOL) Yeah, the remote thermometer comes with a hygrometer, so I'll be all set in that department. Gable vents were exactly what I was thinking about, I just had no idea what to call them, LOL. Thanks! How does two gable vents sound? One in the back and a small one in the front (on the part that you see peeking up over the run).

Thanks for the tip on the straw, I did read that it was a good thing to put in the run.

 

[Melky]

My coop has one sliding window up under roof area on outside and one window on the side door for cleaning other than the door going into the run. I close both windows if weather likely to blow in and leave inside door open. Seems to be enough. When weather not likely to blow in. I open the windows for ventilation. I’m not a big fan of sliding windows side to side as one of mine gets stuck. Like idea of having windows to vent with something that can open and close when need to. Either a hinged window cover or handled cover to pull off and put on when need to. I hate a cold wet bed. I did not have to add ventilation to my coop, what was already there was sufficient.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Just head over to Lowe's and get a couple of vents, slap it on there and you're good to go. Don't overthink it.

 

[Megaguirus]

Okay, thanks for the replies everybody! I will run to Lowes once I get my paycheck! That's the confirmation I was looking for.

 

[aart]

What does inside of coop look like...showing roosts?
How big is just the coop portion, in inches by inches?

 

[feathermaid]

Sounds like you've been doing a lot of good research to care for your birdies! You may have already seen these articles, but they are both so interesting and full of helpful insight, just thought I'd share:

Supplemental Heat in Winter

Chicken Coop Ventilation

 

[trudyg]

I bought some of those grills that you use over your a/c return inside your house. I plan to cut out a square a bit smaller than the grill and install the grill over it on the outside of the coop, as high up as I can make it. Should allow air flow and keep out birds, etc. I would love to get louvered doors for the walk thru or louvered shutters for the window, but they are pricey.

 

[Megaguirus]

@aart Sorry it took a bit to get back to you, I had to wait for the rain to stop. Anyway, the dimensions are as follows; 21-22" wide, 24" long without nest box, 36" with nest box and 32" high at highest roof point. The roost is stupid and was not mentioned when I bought it, but it sits at barely an inch off the ground. I've attached a pic of the inside.

Thanks for the links and continued replies everybody!