Need winter advice from chicken pros

[ECBW]

The triangle under the roof is called gable vent. They are strategically located at the high point. Warmer air rises, carrying the moisture and vents out at the high point of the structure. So install them on both sides with shutters so you can control it according to the weather. However, there must be make-up air from a lower point so you wont create a negative pressure in the cabin. In my case, my pop door is open to provide the make-up air.

 

[Hokum Coco]

My rule of thumb in my particular set up is above 0 or 32º vents open. Below 0 or 32º vents closed.

Every coop is different according to climate, humidity, water delivery and size.

Daily visits and paying attention to ammonia smells and condensation is the only way to find out what works for you.

Condensation is directly proportional to ventilation. The more condensation you have the more ventilation you need.

 

[skunknchatter]

I have a very small "chicken house". It works great for keeping the chooks warm in the winter. However, I have a vent along the top back wall AND I leave the door cracked open so there is air flowing through so it doesn't get humid. My small chicken house is inside a 12'x16' run. Maybe you could build a much bigger run and put your current setup inside or attached to it. Then you'll have plenty of room for chickens to stretch their legs. I don't feed or water inside my chicken house. I never have. Once they roost for the night they aren't eating anyway and I let them out when the sun comes up. Sometimes, if it's cold out, they'll wait hours before coming out to eat or drink. 7 years I've never lost a chicken in the winter and we get as cold as -20F on a regular basis in January. I think, sometimes, we make it more work than it needs to be. I dream of having a big, fancy, walk-in coop but the reality of the situation is that my simple setup works really well for us. I think your setup will too with maybe a little more outdoor "floor space" for the chickens to roam. Just my 2 cents

In the background you can see my setup. The house itself is only 4'x4'x4' but the run it is inside is 16'x12' giving the 10 birds plenty of room.

Here is a not-so-good interior pic. I've just got the one roost on the right side (looking in) and 2 nest boxes on the left. Usually 5 or 6 hens cram on there and the others roost on the front of the nest boxes with their chicken butts pointed out (they don't poop in the nest boxes). You can also see the vent in the back and I leave the door cracked open. Never had a problem.

Is it tiny? Yes. Does it work? Yes.