Our first attempt at a coop

[elmo]

Seriously, if that coop gets any sun at all, I'm afraid it's going to get too hot inside this summer. I had a clear roof on our small coop here in Texas but had to replace it for that reason. I definitely would put a temperature gauge in there and keep an eye on it. If you see temperatures running much higher than the ambient temperature outdoors, you'll know you need to change something.

The other thing is I would think about is whether you have enough ventilation, especially for the summer. It's good to aim for at least 1 square foot per chicken with the high vents so they can be left open in winter, plus additional ventilation lower down for summer to catch any possible breeze. Chickens really can't handle heat well.

Good luck! It's a beautiful coop, and you did the right thing siting it in the shadiest spot possible.

 

[Toothless Willie]

Howdy,

I am the Bill that GeorgiaGail mentions when discussing our coop. I also had concerns over the possible heat issues using the clear roof panels. Augusta Georgia can break 100 degrees in August. Therefore when I designed the coop I did so with a 12/12 roof pitch. This creates a huge volume of space above the coop which acts to convect heat upward and out.

Next we provided 12"X12" gable vents, shuttered windows approximately 10" X 2' in the back and 10" X 18" in front just above roost level. Additionally the 1&1/2" purlins allow air flow full length along the eaves, and at the ends of the trusses there is a 6&1/2" vent that runs the width of the coop. All openings are covered in hardware cloth.

Lastly we positioned the coop where it can recieve about two hours of filtered sun in the morning and nothing but a bit of dappled light the rest of the day. We are fortunate that we live in what remains of an old growth forest. Huge trees providing an excellent canopy two hundred feet overhead.

This place where the coop sits is normally a riot of ferns, and I expect once we quit tromping around they will return. Sitting in the coop on an eighty plus degree day is quite pleasant. We will keep an eye on the temp as summer progresses but I really believe it will not be an issue.

 

[one wet hen]

looks great!thanks for posting....

 

[schellie69]

can't wait to see the whole thing done. Looks great.

 

[Patricia Jane]

Quote:
First off Welcome to BYC, great place. I have to agree on the roof making it too hot inside the coop. I used the clear as well and I'm afraid it's going to get too hot inside. I plan on putting shade cloth on top of it to see if it helps. If not I will have to change it all together. Have to wait till summer hits I live in CA. different heat. But your coop and run look great. Love the color you picked.

 

[Mallory]

Looks fantastic to me!

Hubs told me he wants to use the clear roofing on ours when we ever get around to building it. But lack of shade in our yard would just equal some scalded birds! So I think I talked him into the regular roofing.

Hope it works out great for you!

 

[Toothless Willie]

LOL. You folks tickle me. If this thing had anymore ventilation it wouldn't have walls. If it had any more shade it would be a cavern, and I'd be using the corn mash for moonshine instead of feeding chickens.

 

[Jenn1399]

Looks great! Love the arched roof of the run!

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Well, this is going to be my third summer keeping chickens in Southern heat, and I've seen how even my very heat tolerant bantams suffer. Chickens' bodies work best at around 75 degrees ambient temperature. Above that, they begin to experience heat stress. They're wearing down coats! Yet chicken newcomers always seem just to worry about cold weather, never about hot weather, which is the real killer. Yes, chickens can and do die from the heat.

An open sided coop (wire only) is often a very good alternative for our summers. I have one, myself.

I hope you're still satisfied with your ventilation come July, and that you don't have to head out to your lovely coop with a reciprocating saw.

 

[Toothless Willie]

Just having fun with you. If I have to I will take the lil air conditioner from the tear drop trailer!