Pre-fab coop adding ventilation?

[Soon2BChixMom]

I’ve seen it mentioned many times that prefabs do not have adequate ventilation.

I have this coop. It’s a TSC pre-fab supposedly for 8 chickens. When I bought it, I already knew the numbers were far stretched. I have 4 chickens. I’ve added a hardware cloth apron, a temporary extend run (made from lattice), and reinforced the nest door.

My question is regarding ventilation. I’ve tried to convince my husband that we should add some ventilation to it, but he thinks it has plenty. So, I’m adding the pics from the tsc site, to show the window in the back (above the roosts by at least 5”?) where he feels allows enough ventilation. It does not shield from the rain though, so that is my argument to him about it not being adequate due to it needing closed when it’s raining from the same direction. Also, inside, it is not completely sealed as there is a gap between the inside wall and the roof. It’s at least 4” where it doesn’t meet the roof. Seems intentional and I would have to think it helps with ventilation. There is a window on the side, but that would only be open in the warmer weather as it’s directly at roost level.
So, if I could get a convincing explanation of where proper ventilation should be on this coop, I might be able to get him to help me with it. Otherwise, I’m going to have to learn to use some tools - and I’m not sure we have the right ones for ventilation holes.

 

[goedric]

I have that same coop as a spare coop in times of need... the thing leaks like a sieve... (meaning not at all air tight) no worries about ventilation at all... and yes... 4 chickens not 8 and the ramp is crazy steep for younger chickens (< 12 weeks). Also be sure to paint it... it will rot if you dont.. and the supplied screws are crap with coarse threads... get your power drill out and put in anohter 20 3" outdoor construction screws... BUT all in all... it's cute and it works... my chickens like it and tons of sliding doors to get in an out as needed.. !

 

[Dayrel]

If you keep everything open, there is plenty of ventilation- the pop door, the small back window and the swinging door. Also, two hidden sources of ventilation- any gaps in the slats and a gap that was built in above the pop door.

I added a automatic closing door to keep out any predators that might break in at night, so I added a bunch of 2" vents to make up for that closure.

One update you might consider is to weather-proof the back window and the swinging door. They both let water in during stormy weather. You might look for something to act as an awning over those two spots to keep water out. I also added some plexiglass to cover part of the door window and both block rain and keep out much of the direct drafts.

 

[goedric]

almost forgot... bad critters can easily dig under this... buy some hardware cloth from home depot or wherever... 48" width works well.... cut a piece to match the length and another to match the width.... then cut each in half lengthwise to get 2 long sides and 2 ends each 24" wide.... fold 3" of each over on the long side so you can place this on the ground along the coop with the 3" sticking up ... so you have an apron all the way around flat along the ground but stapled to the coop.... staple to the coop... cover the part on the ground with gravel or dirt or stake it down... this will help stop things from digging into the coop.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

We added two coats of Thompson’s water sealer for decks. It’s keeping the rain out so far. We sealed the roof peak with roofing caulk - due to some of the reviews mentioning the leaking. We also reinforced some areas with better screws. It’s been raining on and off the last 3 weeks and I do check for leaks. I have an issue where we reinforced the nest door. It made the door heavier than it was so it isn’t shut close to the coop to keep the rain out of the nest box when it comes from a certain direction. I added eye screws and carabiners on the corners for a bit more security. I’m thinking since we added weight to it, it’s pulling a bit (gravity). So, I am going to add a sheet of plastic or tarp so that the water will roll off instead of into the nest box.
I do like the doors and the ease of access to the coop - and it is kind of convenient except when I have to crawl in to pull out the dust bin I added or change out bedding, not too much fun then.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

@goedric I actually have the hardware cloth going up halfway on the outside and at least 12” off the ground as an apron. It’s weighted down with some stepping stones that weren’t being used anymore and large rocks.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

I have that same coop as a spare coop in times of need... the thing leaks like a sieve... (meaning not at all air tight) no worries about ventilation at all... and yes... 4 chickens not 8 and the ramp is crazy steep for younger chickens (< 12 weeks). Also be sure to paint it... it will rot if you dont.. and the supplied screws are crap with coarse threads... get your power drill out and put in anohter 20 3" outdoor construction screws... BUT all in all... it's cute and it works... my chickens like it and tons of sliding doors to get in an out as needed.. !

That ramp is kind of steep. My chickens jump from the roost into the coop and in the morning they kind of run then jump down into the run.

If you keep everything open, there is plenty of ventilation- the pop door, the small back window and the swinging door. Also, two hidden sources of ventilation- any gaps in the slats and a gap that was built in above the pop door.

I added a automatic closing door to keep out any predators that might break in at night, so I added a bunch of 2" vents to make up for that closure.

One update you might consider is to weather-proof the back window and the swinging door. They both let water in during stormy weather. You might look for something to act as an awning over those two spots to keep water out. I also added some plexiglass to cover part of the door window and both block rain and keep out much of the direct drafts.

I’m considering tacking up pieces of a tarp to those areas, but I also kind of like the idea of making a shield of some sort over the sliding window to keep the rain from getting in, but being able to leave it open or maybe just figure out a way to roll the tarp piece up.

 

[Dayrel]

TI’m considering tacking up pieces of a tarp to those areas, but I also kind of like the idea of making a shield of some sort over the sliding window to keep the rain from getting in, but being able to leave it open or maybe just figure out a way to roll the tarp piece up.

I like the clear plexiglass on the door- allows a lot more natural light into the coop. Just want to make sure you don't fully cover the door screen to allow some ventilation through. I left 1.5" open along the top which blocks rain, keeps cold winds from blowing directly onto them and still allows in the light.

almost forgot... bad critters can easily dig under this...

I'm sure this was addressed to Soon2BChixMom, but I can't use this solution for stopping digging predators. I converted my coop into a chicken tractor, so the wire skirt wasn't practical. I setup an automatic door to protect them at night instead.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

@Dayrel do you happen to have any pics of how you added the plexiglas? I searched the other thread where you added your mods, but I didn’t see the modification with the plexiglas.

 

[Dayrel]

@Dayrel do you happen to have any pics of how you added the plexiglas? I searched the other thread where you added your mods, but I didn’t see the modification with the plexiglas.

Not yet. It is a recent addition. I'll try and post a pic tomorrow. If you haven't worked with cutting plexiglass, it is fairly easy. I bought a piece at the local hardware store and followed a couple of YouTube videos.