I don't understand how fans are good if drafts are bad?

[SplendidDogFeet]

I don't understand and we live in North Texas where it's very hot and humid. Everyone and every book I've read agree that drafts are bad for poultry. I understand that. But so many people are recommending fans in the coop or run to help with heat and I don't understand how that isn't a draft? Is it just because it's moving the more stale air at the bottom around and not cooler air from outside? This seems like one of those things where once someone explains it to me, it will be super obvious, but right now I just feel confused and idiotic. We are getting ready to build out the inside of the coop and I want the birds to be as comfortable as possible year round. We don't have power out there, but I've read about solar fans.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Drafts are bad when it's very cold, as it ruffles feathers and causes birds to not be able to hold heat against their bodies.

In hot climates or hotter temperatures you want air movement especially around the coop or roost area, which is why open air coops are ideal for hot climates, to try and maximize air flow.

 

[Love Donkeys]

Hang your fan in a high location front of a upper window or vent. Set the direction of the fan blades to exaust the stale coop air. The fresh air will come in from the other openings do to the updraft the exhaust fan will be causing. A fan running this way may also prevent drafts. A fan can pull air more efficiently than it can push air. We are in hot and humid Alabama.

 

[nuthatched]

Do enjoy a breeze on hot, balmy days? Likely yes.
Do you enjoy breezes on freezing days? Likely no.
Context is everything. ;]

 

[cavemanrich]

SplendidDogFeet​

Since you are in warm zone,,, consider an open air addition to your coop.
I do not know how you coop looks currently,,, but consider making your finished structure with 3 walls, and 4th wall, hardware cloth covered. This way no need to have fans, (that need electricity to run).
And when cooler temps arrive during winter season. Texas does not get frigid, but cool. You can cover somewhat the open wall portion with tarps, but not totally. Leave a large gap up high open, for natural air ventilation.
Ask anything that I stated. I tried to explain as well as I could.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[saysfaa]

Diffuse air movement around a chicken is good; lots of it is better especially in hot or cold weather. It is like the ceiling fan in a bathroom; it carries the moisture out without chilling you too much.

Strong currents of air directly at the chickens are not or the chickens should have the option of getting out of the strong currents. It might be because of what they do to body temperatures but I think there is more to it. At least, I find getting buffeted by a wind can feel good sometimes but it gets tiring or stressful.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

SplendidDogFeet​

Since you are in warm zone,,, consider an open air addition to your coop.
I do not know how you coop looks currently,,, but consider making your finished structure with 3 walls, and 4th wall, hardware cloth covered. This way no need to have fans, (that need electricity to run).
And when cooler temps arrive during winter season. Texas does not get frigid, but cool. You can cover somewhat the open wall portion with tarps, but not totally. Leave a large gap up high open, for natural air ventilation.
Ask anything that I stated. I tried to explain as well as I could.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

Texas can get quite frigid

 

[PoppasGrill]

We are in Florida and have fans constantly running, kick them on low at night. Our chicken and turkeys will lay in front of the fan for 15-30 mins at a time to cool down, then move on to more shaded areas for their dusting and such.
Air circulation is the biggest benefit of the way we place our fans. We don’t like to stand out in the stagnant coop and wouldn’t expect our girls to do it.

 

[SplendidDogFeet]

Texas can get quite frigid

Yes, we chose insulated and not open wall with Snowmageddon in mind. That was not a fun time. Plus we get crazy winds on our property during storms and I'd like to keep rain out of our coop.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Yes, we chose insulated and not open wall with Snowmageddon in mind. That was not a fun time. Plus we get crazy winds on our property during storms and I'd like to keep rain out of our coop.

One thing you might want to consider then is an industrial grade agricultural ventilation fan. They come in all sizes, but I installed a couple because the wind here will drive several feet of snow through even a little 2” eave opening. I keep mine running year round because it is high velocity air blowing out not in and I don’t get elements coming inside.