New chicken mom

[AirForceMom]

Hi everyone ! My name is Kathy and I am a new chicken mom ! I am so very excited to join this group and to learn about taking care of my girls . I live in the northwest corner of Illinois , very close to Wisconsin and Iowa borders . I recently purchased a metal shed and will be using this as my chicken house. The girls are free range but I’m concerned about the winter . I do have this shed on a concrete slab , on the northeast side of the house .
I’ve been reading quite a few threads and I’m concerned about ventilation - do I need more and how do I do it ? Do I need to insulate the roof ?
Any and all information would be greatly appreciated !!
Thank you !!

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC! Yes you need lots more of ventilation for.
You can simply cut holes into it and cover it with hardware cloth.

Let me see if I can find a link to a something that will show you pictures on how to add more ventilation. Brb

 

[Sapphire Sebright]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens! We're glad that you've popped in and joined us, and we hope that you enjoy your stay.
I agree with Kiki above -- that shed definitely needs some more ventilation, especially if you live in a place that gets hot.
Good luck with your flock, and may God bless you.

 

[Kiki]

A couple of ideas:

Thread 'Questions about adding ventilation' https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/questions-about-adding-ventilation.1520176/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome to BYC! Best of luck with your birds.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC.
You'll need to make sure that the overhang will keep out rain. And also, that your ventilation openings are high enough above your roosts, to keep the hens out of the wind.
@DobieLover and @aart Can both give you plenty of pointers and suggestions.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello Kathy, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Metal sheds are notoriously difficult to get ventilation in. Especially when they have little to no roof over hang.
I suggest starting a new thread in the Coop & Run Forum with pictures of the interior showing the support system. You will want to cut the metal out of the two triangular sides under the roof line and install 1/2" hardware cloth over both sides. You will also need additional ventilation (and top hinged windows) on the walls for light and additional ventilation options in the summer.
The roof is very likely to sweat during winter as the chicken respiration and moisture from their droppings rise and hit the cold metal. Again, seeing the underside of the roof will help to know how to address this potential issue.

 

[Grammy60]

Hello Kathy and welcome to BYC So happy you have joined our flock.

You've been given great information about adding ventilation for your flock.
Best of luck with your flock.

 

[Tookie]

Hi and welcome to BYC!

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Welcome to BYC!