New coop- are these predator concerns?

[saysfaa]

I just remembered, the sheds built locally (different place than I got mine) that had metal roofs, had a ridge vent the entire length but did not have eave vents. The builder tried to tell me the bumps from the metal roof and sides were enough for the incoming air. I didn't think so but was going to measure them and calculate until I went outside and saw they were covered by a trim piece.

The sale's guy thought they could modify the eaves to give and overhang and leave the eaves open but we didn't get as far a details and costs.

 

[jmb52]

Nice coop! I have a similar Amish built coop. I added a lock to the nesting box lid because I had the same concerns about it being lifted by raccoons. I also changed the wire they used on the windows to hardware cloth because the wire they used had openings that were too large. Mine does have the large gap at the top of the nesting box lid. I did not fix it and haven't had issues with mice or predators. However, the gap on your coop looks like it may be a little larger than the one on mine. For peace of mind, you might want to fill it in some how at least at the widest spot in the upper corner.

Thank you! This is helpful since you said you have a similar coop. I was thinking of adding a piece of trim or something to kind of block the hole, and then will look for a lock to add.

 

[jmb52]

Yes, you should change to more predator-proof latches. Raccoons are remarkably strong and clever.

I'd worry about water intrusion on that nestbox gap. Top-hinged nests are prone to water intrusion anyway and that gap isn't protected from blowing rain.

As for ventilation, your 5 chickens will need a minimum of 5 square feet of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation -- vents that are never closed summer or winter, rain or shine, wind or snow. This is best located above the birds' heads when they're sitting on their roost.

I know that I have enough ventilation if the coop is the same temperature inside as out on a warm, sunny day.

Thank you for the advice. Will get a lock and try to block the hole a bit.

 

[jmb52]

I just remembered, the sheds built locally (different place than I got mine) that had metal roofs, had a ridge vent the entire length but did not have eave vents. The builder tried to tell me the bumps from the metal roof and sides were enough for the incoming air. I didn't think so but was going to measure them and calculate until I went outside and saw they were covered by a trim piece.

The sale's guy thought they could modify the eaves to give and overhang and leave the eaves open but we didn't get as far a details and costs.

I almost had them add additional small round vents up high but didn’t bc they said it wasn’t necessary.

 

[3KillerBs]

I almost had them add additional small round vents up high but didn’t bc they said it wasn’t necessary.

Well, technically, small round vents aren't necessary. Big upper windows of any convenient shape are.

The giveaway that the designers/builders of these Amish-styled coops may be expert carpenters but are not knowledgeable about chickens' needs is that they frequently have more nestboxes than the number of chickens they are actually suited to hold. The 12 chickens that a 6x8 coop holds only need 3 nests.

 

[saysfaa]

If it doesn't have eave vents you can add them. Like Sueby did. Pictures page 5 of this thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...amish-style-coop.1449221/page-5#post-24233263

That way, the ridge vent will work like this...

 

[blackdog043]

I almost had them add additional small round vents up high but didn’t bc they said it wasn’t necessary.

You won't have any ventilation on the roof after the snow is covering it. Winter ventilation up high, is very important to help the chickens from getting frost bite.

It's really a shame they don't build those Amish style coops with open sofits, covered with 1/2 inch hardware cloth. They could at least put gable vents in the ends!

 

[jmb52]

Well, technically, small round vents aren't necessary. Big upper windows of any convenient shape are.

The giveaway that the designers/builders of these Amish-styled coops may be expert carpenters but are not knowledgeable about chickens' needs is that they frequently have more nestboxes than the number of chickens they are actually suited to hold. The 12 chickens that a 6x8 coop holds only need 3 nests.

Yeah I actually had them only set up for 3 nesting boxes then leave the rest open on the inside and blocked off from the coop so that I can use that area for some storage.

 

[jmb52]

Is there a ridge vent?
Pics from inside would help here.
These coops do not generally have enough ventilation.
Adding some on the eaves is the best solution, but it takes some carpentry tools and skills.

It does have a ridge vent, down the length of it I believe. Guess I may have to be back on the forum later for ventilation advice.

 

[jmb52]

You won't have any ventilation on the roof after the snow is covering it. Winter ventilation up high, is very important to help the chickens from getting frost bite.

It's really a shame they don't build those Amish style coops with open sofits, covered with 1/2 inch hardware cloth. They could at least put gable vents in the ends!

For the price I paid for it I'm feeling a little disappointed to hear you all saying this after they assured their venting was sufficient.