Need ideas how to build ventilation in my coop

[kwestley]

Hi peeps,

I live in Anchorage, Alaska and the winter is coming (believe it or not!!). I have 8 hens in a 10 x 10 coop and I believe it is insulated. I've been reading a lot about getting good ventilation during the winter, and my coop doesn't have any ventilation, except windows. I'm trying to figure out how to build it, but don't know where to start?

If you have ideas or a ventilation in your coop, please share with me, and post some pictures!!

Thank you.

 

[4 the Birds]

Ideally you will want long narrow openings up high on each side of the coop for ventilation with the ability to close them off or adjust the amount of air going through them. A hinged flap over top the opening with hardware cloth nailed over the opening from inside will work perfectly. I used a circular saw to make quick cuts for ventilation slots between the studs or corner posts. The vents are always open downwind of wind direction and the upwind vents are opened or closed according to the weather. This will move moist air out of the coop. Down below my pop door is also always open to a secure run. You can construct a tunnel for the pop door to reduce drafts. My windows are only opened during the Summer months. Some will claim that heat is not needed for bitter cold but my birds get a brooder lamp in the coop during the Winter. Hope this helps!

long vent with hinged flap


covered pop door

 

[kwestley]

Thank you for your input!!! I will have to decide how long/big the vent should be? The winter here is very frigid cold so I don't really want to cut a big vent on the wall! I do have a tunnel for the pop door and it works great!! We didn't build the coop, but whoever did it, did a good job. This is my first year raising chickens, so I almost decide not to do anything with the ventilation and see what will happen!! I just hate to think about losing my chickens because I get so attached with them (not sure if they feel the same way I do

!!).

 

[farmgirlroots]

We picked up some floor heating vents and installed them in the coop. Super easy - cut a rectangle the right size, insert vent, attach with screws and wha-la! Vents that look nice AND close from the outside with a flip of the lever!

I also used a cabinet door (a window would work too) and hinged it on an opening cut and covered with hardware cloth. A chain holds it open as far as I want it vented, or I can close it up tight. You can see it here in the background.

Honestly, your chickens will be healthier if you are able to add at least two vents up high.

 

[jimmywalt]

Here are what mine look like......... This was during the construction stage of my coop. The holes were made with a hole saw. I read about the idea on this site. That way if a predator would somehow rip the vents off the outside of the coop, they can't get inside to get my hens. Needless to say, I really don't think anything could rip them off the coop in my area... but better safe than sorry.

I think the vents were under $2 each at Menards.

 

[kwestley]

You guys are awesome!!! Thank you so much for giving me ideas and show me the pictures of your ventilations!!! It really helps me a lot!! Now I have a good idea what to do with my coop!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!