The next wall is in: ventilation question

[ChickieNikki]

First of all, my husband would like to state for the record that he is not a carpenter and it is nothing short of a miracle that this coop-to-be is still standing. that said, here is a view of the wall with the single hung window-used-as-chicken-door. (sorry for the sideways-ness of it--i have no idea how to rotate it...)

So, here's the question:

The soffits (front and back) are open. So that's 20 feet of soffit ventilation. There will be a 14x14 window on the wall opposite the chicken door that can be opened fully. Should the entire trapezoidal space above the chicken door be left open for ventilation (with a panel to attach in the event of wild winds and sideways rain and bitter cold)? Or would a smaller indoor/outdoor louvered vent be enough? We have weird windy rainy hail-y tornado-y weather in spring here in MO, and our winters bring a few weeks to a month at most of below-teens temps.

Thanks Patandchickens and whomever else has any input!!!

 

[Judy]

I'd cover the trapezoid with wire mesh then have a panel that can be secured for foul weather. I'd also have a vent, either a window or louvered should work, low down on the wall opposite the chicken door. Gives you lots of options so it's easy to adjust air flow for cold or hot weather as well. Easier to put in something that you don't open often than retrofit. You're going to want to be able to allow ventilation at the lower level of the coop, one way or another, for hot weather if nothing else.

Looks like he's doing fine. Good luck!

 

[CrazyChickMom]

How much ventilation should I have with a 11x11 coop?

 

[Judy]

Quote:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Unfortunately, he has done such a nifty job on this that he will never again be able to claim he is not a carpenter. Expectations have been raised. What's his next project? LOL That is a really nice looking coop, and intelligently designed too!

The soffits (front and back) are open. So that's 20 feet of soffit ventilation.

How tall are the openings there? (What thickness are the rafters? I am going to guess 8"?) That is what determines the total "acreage" of ventilation. If the openings are about 8" high, then each side of the roof would be providing 10'x8"=6.6 - width of rafters = something around 6 sq ft of open area per side. So soffit vents running all along the top and bottom sides of the coop would give you like 12 sq ft of vent space.

Should the entire trapezoidal space above the chicken door be left open for ventilation (with a panel to attach in the event of wild winds and sideways rain and bitter cold)?

What side of the house is this coop on? If it is on the N or E side, so will have some shade in summer, you might get away ok with those areas permanently closed. Otherwise, I would be concerned about heat in summers if there wasn't some sort of hinged or removeable panel.

It also depends somewhat on the number of chickens that will be in the coop -- if it will be understocked rather than 2-4 sq ft per hen, it doesn't necessarily need quite as much ventilation (unless summer heat is a problem, which really doesn't depend much on #chickens)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat​

 

[kidd42]

Great job on the coop, it's really coming along nice.
For not being a carpenter, he's done a great job.

Only he will know his mistakes, and don't need to point them out to people. Most will never notice them. And if someone does notice it, have him say what I say "it's suppose to be like that!"

 

[CityChook]

My DH of 15 years, bless his heart, is a car mechanic, absolutely not a carpenter. If it doesn't burn petrol, he isn't all that interested. We built our coop using photographs from this site as reference. I think he (privately) regrets making my coop so lovely as now I know he's perfectly capable of wielding a hammer. This year I have him busy designing/building a fence around my garden to keep the chookies out of my tomatoes. Heh Heh Heh.

For what it's worth, I'd leave the trapezoid open for ventilation/sunlight and make it close-able in case of weather. It looks like it will be pretty sizable, so Maybe it could be designed with a "door" that could be on hinges, so you could open it during the day, but close it at night when you close up the popdoor? Just a thought. I don't have to close up my vents very often, but am always glad that I have the option when it's needed.

Have fun and enjoy the process!

 

[joebryant]

If I were he, I'd put in a pop door. Using that nice window for one is not a good idea because you'll be surprised what a mess the chickens can do to the bottom of it if they're allowed to go in and out of it.
It's looking great so far; proof positive that you don't have to be a "union" carpenter to build a fantastic chicken lodge.