New Coop Ceiling Questions: Experienced builders/chicken keepers please help!

[mtdream33]

I really need some advice on figuring out the ceiling in my coop. Trusses are going up today and originally I wanted gable end vents that I could open and close. However, I think it will be necessary to close the rafters off to deter roosting in them. Pretty sure some birds could fly up there, right?? Also, wanted to insulate up there. Plenty of windows going in the coop-two on west side, three on east side, one larger one on north side and dutch doors that open on top and will be screened on south entry.

Maybe I could put a dropped ceiling of some kind in over the chickens but leave the area open over the people area, this might serve as a bit more storage up there as well if it's accessible?

And do vents even need to be closed at all? Thinking cross ventilation up there will be a good thing even in winter? So many questions and so little experience.

Should go take a few pics and post if I can. Weather has been on and off nice and gross at the same time.

ANY and ALL suggestions welcome

 

[4 the Birds]

A gable roof with a ceiling will need vents for air circulation to move humid moist air out. They are usually located on the soffits and up near the ridge. You could consider netting the rafters to keep birds from roosting up high and pooping everywhere. An option if you decided to do without a ceiling. I would add vents high on the walls with storm flaps that you can open or close. Even a small crack can pull in 2 ft. snow drifts during a windy snow storm. Not a lot of fun shoveling out the coop! It should stay draft free and dry but with plenty of vent options to move out moist air and open things up in the Summer. Shoveling the run is enough fun for me.

 

[mtdream33]

Thanks for the input John. I really had never considered netting. Even chicken wire would work. I think more thinking on the subject is required.

My neighbor just came over to look at the building and now she has me questioning my floor plan,lol. What I wouldn't give to be decisive just this once!

 

[mollybuck]

I don't have a walk in coop but it is attached to my shed and they share a roof, I am planning on using hardware cloth or similar for a ceiling and then that will vent it too. Coops not done yet though...so we shall see.

 

[mtdream33]

good idea, I can see the benefit in that. Make sure to come back to share what you actually do, with pictures of course! I'm going to try to get pictures up myself sometime.