Is this enough ventilation?

[efowl24]

my husband and I have just built an 8x8 coop and I’m wondering if I’ve got enough ventilation. The top half of the Dutch door we are adding a hardware cloth screen so that I can keep the top main door open when it’s hot out and have more air flow, and the windows open. Is this adequate? I’m planning on getting a solar powered exhaust fan to put up at the top inside as well, but I haven’t found one I like yet, so if anyone has any recommendations I’d love to hear them!

I’m in western KY and our summers can easily be in the 90°s. The coop isn’t shaded during the day, but is in the evening, so I’m trying to avoid it getting super hot in here.

 

[nuthatched]

Unfortunately, no.
Can you cut out under the peaks? Or soffit?

 

[efowl24]

Unfortunately, no.
Can you cut out under the peaks? Or soffit?

I could, but would that be not ideal in the winter?

 

[rosemarythyme]

The Dutch door doesn't contribute to overall ventilation at night if it can't be left open at night. Soffit vents are ideal in winter since the roof provides climate protection and they're up high to let moisture escape (as higher moisture levels + cold temperatures are what contribute to frostbite).

How cold does it get in winter there?

 

[efowl24]

The Dutch door doesn't contribute to overall ventilation at night if it can't be left open at night. Soffit vents are ideal in winter since the roof provides climate protection and they're up high to let moisture escape (as higher moisture levels + cold temperatures are what contribute to frostbite).

How cold does it get in winter there?

It’ll be left open at night, it’ll be completely covered with hardware cloth so no real concern for predators. In the winter, it’s typically in the 20°s but can occasionally get in the single digits. I can cut some of the 2x4s at the top of the framing and add hardware cloth for ventilation up there.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It’ll be left open at night, it’ll be completely covered with hardware cloth so no real concern for predators. In the winter, it’s typically in the 20°s but can occasionally get in the single digits.

So your temps aren't that cold at all for chickens. As long as cold air isn't ruffling their feathers while on the roost they'll be fine even as temperatures dip.

I can cut some of the 2x4s at the top of the framing and add hardware cloth for ventilation up there.

 

[2 Acres]

I could, but would that be not ideal in the winter?

It's not winter time now...

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I could, but would that be not ideal in the winter?

Birds don’t need protection from cold nearly as much as they need protection from humidity and ammonia buildup.

You’re in W. KY.; your winters aren’t bad. Remember that chickens are wearing down coats 12 months a year!

What the DO need is protection from drafts blowing directly on their bodies.

High-up ventilation can usually remain open year-round. You do want a generous roof overhang to keep out driving rain and snow.

 

[KyCoop]

Hello fellow Kentuckien! Yes, we do get bad winters here i agree but cold is not your enemy its heat. You have got to cut a 6-8 inch vent along the side under your overhang and cover it with HWC.
Which way is your human door facing? N S E or W

My coop is elevated and open on 4 sides with screen (HWC) doors as well as vents at the top and my coop is 90 degrees inside.

 

[Folly's place]

Don't cut into your framing! It looks barely adequate already. Agree with openings as recommended by @KyCoop, at least.
And remove the windows, use hardware cloth there instead. Maybe cover the lower sections in winter, at least on the windward side.
Those ready made louvered house vents can go up on each ends of the building, get big ones so there's air flow there all year, snow and rain won't get inside using them. Here we need another larger one on the west end of our coop, adding to the one that's already there.
More insulation in the roof, protected from rodent and wasp damage, will help with summer sun, which is worse than winter temps by far. Planting trees and shrubs for both shade and predator protection would be good too. Plan for your run, then plant outside of it.
Chickens were jungle animals, most comfortable under plantings, where it's cooler, and more bugs and worms can be found.
Is your structure up to code? Check about snow load/ ice load requirements where you live, if you didn't do that first. It wouldn't make it here in Michigan!
It's really cute and will be wonderful, with just a 'few' tweaks!
Here we've modified and added on to our coop three times over the years, all for those mythical 'free' eggs!
Mary