Is this enough ventilation?

[SnootyHen]

My coop is 4x8 and has two windows plus this vent on the roof (in the picture). All summer it's been fine but once winter comes and I have to close the windows, will that one vent be enough?

 

[lysmandor]

More ventilation would be better - remember that if there isn't enough ventilation, moisture will build up and lead to frostbite in the cold. Where are the roosts relative to those windows?

 

[SnootyHen]

More ventilation would be better - remember that if there isn't enough ventilation, moisture will build up and lead to frostbite in the cold. Where are the roosts relative to those windows?

The roost they all prefer is above the top of the windows. There is also one that's completely below the window that no one uses and one that is about 6-8" below the bottom of the window that they like for looking outside.

 

[lysmandor]

Well, since you already have a coop, I guess how much work are you willing to put in to modifying it? How cold does it get where you are? If you could cut some ventilation holes, that would be better, but I don't know if that's feasible.

Also I love the sign on your coop.

 

[SnootyHen]

Well, since you already have a coop, I guess how much work are you willing to put in to modifying it? How cold does it get where you are? If you could cut some ventilation holes, that would be better, but I don't know if that's feasible.

Also I love the sign on your coop.

Thanks!! I'm a little bit of a Disney fanatic.

This is definitely true!! I was hoping it wasn't going to be a "Yeah, you need 6 more of those" answer but figured if I do have to modify it, better to do it before the winter comes. I'm in Illinois (south suburbs of Chicago but closer to Indiana than Chicago) and we can get pretty cold in January but it's usually only a couple of weeks below zero and then a lot of time in the single digits and teens.

 

[Jeanw]

You might have to cut some ventilation near the roof eave, ventilation is a must even in the coldest winter. There is a lot of info on the site if you search coop design or ventilation. Best wishes.

 

[rosemarythyme]

No the roof vent is not enough, plus you need to count on it being blocked up by snow, which would leave you with none.

As you have no roof overhangs to tuck ventilation under, the best option would probably be to add ventilation high up on the wall and protect them with louvered covers or something similar to the awning that's over the door, to ward off wind/rain.

 

[BDutch]

How many chickens do you have? Depending on the number I would make a small or bigger ventilation opening to let fresh air in.

 

[SnootyHen]

How many chickens do you have? Depending on the number I would make a small or bigger ventilation opening to let fresh air in.

I have 7 in there now and 5 hatching tomorrow that will join them in a few months.

 

[3KillerBs]

You need a square foot of ventilation per chicken in the winter just as much as in the summer.
People from colder climates than I live in can better inform you on how to provide this in the optimal way for your situation.