Is this enough ventilation?

[Seaecho]

I got a prefab coop and hubby and I assembled it. It's about 4 ft. high, 4 ft. wide and 3 ft. deep. The pic I'm attaching shows the ventilation. The "window" on the upper right is one foot long and 5" high. The other window has the squares, as you can see. The only other hole in the coop is the ramp, which is located on the right of the coop, facing right, and not visible in this pic. It will be open at all times, with a run attached.

Will this be enough ventilation? I am getting 3-4 bantams. We plan to take the thin plastic out of the one window so air can get in. I'm just concerned over if it'll be enough. Thanks!

 

[Little Chicken Girl]

Looks good! Congrats on the Banties!

That sounds like adequate ventilation to me. I would just make sure that it is kept clean. The higher the manure buildup, the more fresh air the chickens need and the less healthy it is for them.

Best wishes to with your miniature chickie adventure!

 

[Seaecho]

Thank you, Little! I was worried about it. I will be sure to maintain it daily, removing the poop, and scrubbing and hosing it out when necessary. I'm so excited. Now the hard part comes--attaching the run to the coop, and doing the hardware cloth and stakes. I hope to get the banties some time in March or April.

 

[junebuggena]

Well, it's a good sized vent. Problem is, there is no overhang to keep rain from being blow in. You are going to need to install a louvered cover so that you keep the ventilation, but keep out the weather.

 

[Seaecho]

Hubby and I did discuss this, june. I'm concerned about it. We are not builders in any way, but we can cover it with a tarp if we get an especially bad rain, or monsoon as we get here now and then. There's always something!

 

[Folly's place]

How big are the openings in that window screen? If they are more than 1/2" diameter, add hardware cloth. And make sure that it's very well secured!
I would also add a safer door latch, and secure your nest box roof securely. I'd like the window to be larger, and to have roof overhangs. How about adding another layer of roofing, wider than what's there? It will also insulate the coop from the sun. Will it have shade?
Bantams are wonderful! What are you going to have?
Mary

 

[junebuggena]

Tarps don't breath to allow good air exchange. Measure the vent, then head to your local hardware store and look for vent covers that are a little bigger than the vent you need covered.

 

[Seaecho]

The window screen openings are 1/2." We were planning on putting hardware cloth over it anyway, because it's some kind of plastic that a dog could chew right through. We're also going to do the same to the lower window. The door latch will do fine, as we don't have raccoons or anything that has "hands" to unlatch it. The nest box has been well secured with longer bolts than were provided. The roof is pretty sturdy and heavy. I am still going to put something on top of it at night. (Maybe a tire) to be sure a dog can't somehow get it off and get under it. And yes, the coop will be in shade for the most of the day. Nice, big fruitless mulberry trees where the coop and run will be. We can do that! (The vent covers). That'll also be much less of a pain than a tarp! Thanks.

Oh, and I'm going to have a couple Silkies and a couple frizzles. If I can't find frizzles, then it'll be smooth bantam cochins. Or maybe just 4 silkies! Whatever is available from the breeder when I get ahold of her.

 

[junebuggena]

The window screen openings are 1/2." We were planning on putting hardware cloth over it anyway, because it's some kind of plastic that a dog could chew right through. We're also going to do the same to the lower window. The door latch will do fine, as we don't have raccoons or anything that has "hands" to unlatch it. The nest box has been well secured with longer bolts than were provided. The roof is pretty sturdy and heavy. I am still going to put something on top of it at night. (Maybe a tire) to be sure a dog can't somehow get it off and get under it. And yes, the coop will be in shade for the most of the day. Nice, big fruitless mulberry trees where the coop and run will be. We can do that! (The vent covers). That'll also be much less of a pain than a tarp! Thanks.

Oh, and I'm going to have a couple Silkies and a couple frizzles. If I can't find frizzles, then it'll be smooth bantam cochins. Or maybe just 4 silkies! Whatever is available from the breeder when I get ahold of her.

You are in North America. I guarantee you have coons. Just because you don't see them, doesn't mean they aren't there. Even deserts have coons.

 

[Seaecho]

Our dogs--American Bulldog and German Shepherd have killed rabbits, squirrels, cats and even a coyote. I don't think a coon would dare set foot on our property. Those dogs are excellent hunters and watch dogs who take their job seriously.