vent and roost position

[mathewmarie]

Do my vents belong above my roosts? Up here in western NY, summers are hot and winters are really cold. I want to be able to keep the "warm" in winter and still vent the summer heat out. Does it matter how I do this?

 

[disneyguy]

Typically, I would assume ventilation is best underneath the coop because heat rises and wind travels easier underneath than above and then down through.

 

[countrygirl86]

Vents need to be up top. If not ammonia will build up and you will have a smelly coop and sick chickens. They huddle together for warmth. As long as there isn't a draft directly on them in the winter they will be fine. I have read you want a minimum of 1 sq ft of ventilation per chicken. In my own coop I am installing several windows that can be opened in the summer to keep the coop cool and permanent vents around the roof. This will allow adequate ventilation in the winter.

 

[mathewmarie]

Thanks! I need more vents...

 

[jetdog]

I put this type of vents for the adjustability with a piece of chain, wide open in the summer and not so much in the winter.