Is ventilation necessary for a chicken coop?

[Arla]

Hello,
This is kinda a weird question, is ventilation necessary for a chicken coop? In other words what could considered "ventilation" for a coop? Does a window cut it? Thanks in advance for answering a newbie question.
- Arla

 

[lifeonblueberryhill]

Very necessary, because the ammonia can build up in the coop. I would look at other coops for examples!

 

[TattooedChicks]

Chickens are high dander and high moisture input-output devices. The more good air flow the better, so long as it’s not drafty where they sleep and they can stay warm in severe winters.

 

[Trish1974]

Check out @aart 's page. Good article on ventilation there.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Chickens are high dander and high moisture input-output devices. The more good air flow the better, so long as it’s not drafty where they sleep and they can stay warm in severe winters.

X2!
Ammonia, dust and humidity quickly build up to unhealthy levels if not properly ventilated

 

[aart]

Yes, even all year around.

Here's good discussion on ventilation.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1048597/ventilated-but-free-of-drafts

 

[rosemarythyme]

Minimum ventilation to aim for is around 10% of coop floor space or 1 sq ft per bird, whichever is greater. For my 6x10 coop I went well over that with 5 windows, 40 roof vent holes, a gable vent, 2 floor vents, plus the doors. Climate is something to consider of course... we get snow but very rarely drop lower than mid 20s F.