Type of ventilation

[CCDC]

I opted for a pre-fab coop after a recent move. It's no surprise that is has inadequate ventilation! This is the coop - smaller then it looks, of course! We'll only have 3 chickens so it should be fine. The actual coop is approx 2x3. I'll be adding additional run space and making some other modifications, including adding vents.

There are two "human" doors, as well as the chicken door. I plan to cover one of the doors with hardware cloth and keep it open during the day. I'll need additional venting - especially in the winter when the doors are closed. I'm wondering about the following type of soffit vent. One on each end under the eaves. They're 16x6. It seems like these would help keep rain out better than simply drilling holes.

What are your thoughts? Other ideas?

 

[Ruthster55]

Think about modifying both "human" doors so that they are more like a door-with-a-screen-door that can be opened in summer with just the hardware cloth covering it.

I didn't explain that very clearly, but the idea is that when it's hot, you would have both doors open for cross-ventilation but screened with hard ware cloth for security. When it's cold, you could have both doors closed.

Would need hardware cloth, hinges for the screen doors, hinges for the modified doors, and probably a couple of other things.

 

[aart]

One on each end under the eaves. They're 16x6. It seems like these would help keep rain out better than simply drilling holes.

Yes, they would.
Will you put them on the gable ends?

You could tuck another vent under the run roof high up on coop wall.
Not sure that will be enough ventilation.

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[aart]

This might be a good option for you:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/ventilation-got-you-baffled.75407/

 

[CCDC]

Think about modifying both "human" doors so that they are more like a door-with-a-screen-door that can be opened in summer with just the hardware cloth covering it.

I didn't explain that very clearly, but the idea is that when it's hot, you would have both doors open for cross-ventilation but screened with hard ware cloth for security. When it's cold, you could have both doors closed.

Would need hardware cloth, hinges for the screen doors, hinges for the modified doors, and probably a couple of other things.

Great idea! Thanks!

 

[CCDC]

This might be a good option for you:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/ventilation-got-you-baffled.75407/

View attachment 2165087

I like that! Thanks for the link to the article! I looked at some, but, didn't see that one.

 

[CCDC]

Yes, they would.
Will you put them on the gable ends?
View attachment 2165077
You could tuck another vent under the run roof high up on coop wall.
Not sure that will be enough ventilation.

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2165069

I'm identified now. Thanks for showing me how.
We've enjoyed keeping chickens in northern Utah with cold winters, and in the extreme south of the state with 100+ deg summers. We (and our chickens) have survived both extremes. I'm probably obsessing too much, but, I'd rather err on the side of obsession, rather then be too casual!
My carpentry tools/skills are limited, but, if I pick up a reciprocating saw, I think I can do "all of the above"!
Thanks again!

 

[3KillerBs]

but, if I pick up a reciprocating saw, I think I can do "all of the above"!

My husband calls me "The Tool Enabler" so I have to vote for buying a reciprocating saw.

Be sure to pick up the correct blades for the kind of cutting you'll be doing. Having the right blade for the right job instead of trying to make one general purpose blade do everything makes the difference between easy and frustrating.

 

[aart]

My carpentry tools/skills are limited, but, if I pick up a reciprocating saw, I think I can do "all of the above"!

I spent a many years and hacked together lot of stuff with a jigsaw and a drill/driver.