Shed conversion windows & ventilation

[sezjasper]

Crazyhen, I see that you live in NC; would you still make the same choice if you lived farther north? Thanks!

 

[crazyhen]

yes I would. I live in the mtns of NC and it gets pretty cold. The hens can stand the cold better without the moisure getting trapped. Thats what really hurts them. You can always use a heat lamp lower down than the vents if needed. Low vents let in drafts much worse than high ones. Gloria Jean

 

[sezjasper]

OK, good information, thanks. One more question and then I promise, no more...lol... Should vents be on all four sides of the coop or just on opposite sides?

 

[bumpercarr]

I hadn't thought about the moisture that would build up in Maryland. We are dry in NM, so moisture/mold/water is not really a concern when designing the coop. I might think about putting ventilation at both the top and bottom in Maryland and having a shutter system that can close the ventilation off as needed.

 

[chickers]

I agree with crazyhen. Ventilation is better at the top of the coop. You want ventilation, but not drafts so higher ventilation is better. I live at around 3200 feet in the Sierra Nevadas so we have hot summers and relatively cool winters.

Here's a great article on ventilation:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

Alta

 

[crazyhen]

I use them all the way around but they are the most important at your highest points above the roost, for moisture control. Gloria Jean