Newbie getting ready for winter. Heating and ventilation questions

[Grammie Has Chickens]

Hi everyone! If using a humidity measuring device, what would the recommended % humidity be in the winter? I live near Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and we can get some pretty cold days, like -30C (-22F) or lower, sometimes with windchills in the -40C (-40F) range. I have 2 silkies and 2 silkie / d'uccle crosses, and the coop house is half height above the run (so maybe 3-4 feet from floor to ceiling). What inside winter temperature would I aim for to keep these little ones happy and healthy? The coop house has gaps between each of the boards (I didn't build it, it was a present). Is this ventilation, or just a draft hazard? Should I plan on wrapping the coop house walls and leaving the eaves unwrapped for ventilation? Recommmendations please! BTW, I posted this note as a reply to an older post but had no replies. I really need some advice please! Thank you in advance... Grammie

 

[DobieLover]

Hi everyone! If using a humidity measuring device, what would the recommended % humidity be in the winter? I live near Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and we can get some pretty cold days, like -30C (-22F) or lower, sometimes with windchills in the -40C (-40F) range. I have 2 silkies and 2 silkie / d'uccle crosses, and the coop house is half height above the run (so maybe 3-4 feet from floor to ceiling). What inside winter temperature would I aim for to keep these little ones happy and healthy? The coop house has gaps between each of the boards (I didn't build it, it was a present). Is this ventilation, or just a draft hazard? Should I plan on wrapping the coop house walls and leaving the eaves unwrapped for ventilation? Recommmendations please! BTW, I posted this note as a reply to an older post but had no replies. I really need some advice please! Thank you in advance... Grammie

Can you post some pictures of the coop both inside and outside?

You do not want drafts directly across the birds and the gaps may cause that. Also gaps wider than a half inch can permit the entrance of mice and weasels.

You want ventilation up high and some fresh air coming in low. You're not so much looking for what temperature should it be in the coop but more how dry and draft free is it in the coop. Whatever the outdoor humidity is would be the target for the indoor humidity.

 

[Alaskan]

Whatever the outdoor humidity is would be the target for the indoor humidity.

Yep, that.

If the indoor humidity is higher than the outside humidity then you do not have enough ventilation.

I have had d'uccles down to -20F and they did fine, though they did lose the very tips of their combs.

I haven't ever had silkies.

 

[speedy2020]

Just cover windy side with tarp during winter. You may also want to raise chicken that has small comb. They are much more suitable for colder climate.

 

[Grammie Has Chickens]

Can you post some pictures of the coop both inside and outside?

You do not want drafts directly across the birds and the gaps may cause that. Also gaps wider than a half inch can permit the entrance of mice and weasels.

You want ventilation up high and some fresh air coming in low. You're not so much looking for what temperature should it be in the coop but more how dry and draft free is it in the coop. Whatever the outdoor humidity is would be the target for the indoor humidity.

Hi there! Apologies for being a bit slow at getting pictures posted. Had some hand surgery on Sept 3 and not very adept at photography etc for a few days. I've set up an album with some photos and info in the descriptions. LMK what you think and any recommendations!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/gallery/albums/grammies-byc-photos.7429361/