Ventelation for winter

[hlhutchinson]

Our coop is 4x4, two windows, ventelation at top on front and back
Live in Wy temps average low is 17 f, however we do get some cold snaps that get below 0

Plan on closing up this window next to the roost

Would we need to close up this window too?

Top vent then other side is like this too
Thanks for your input

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Looking forward to reading along here, about to arrange my ventilation also.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Below 0 F? I did a quick check, Casper's record low was set last December at -31 F. I've worked in those temperatures, if the wind is blowing that can be downright cold.

Is that coop out in the open or is it inside another building? I can't tell for sure. In any case, I'd close the windows and only leave the ventilation at the top open. That way any breezes should be over their heads.

 

[TalkALittle]

I would definitely close up the one in the first pic, right at roost level. I'd also install louvers or baffling to the one in the second picture to deflect direct wind but still allow air exchange. It's still very close to the roosts so you may find that it is better to completely close it off during the very coldest spells. If you are closing it completely, I would try and use a material that still allows light in, especially if your run isn't covered because your birds will probably spend a fair amount of time inside. A plexiglass panel cut to size that you can pop out if needed would work. How big is your pop door to the run and will it be kept open at night? If so, go ahead and close up that second one. The long vent along the front roofline I'd leave as is as long as there is a good overhang to keep wet and snow out.

 

[hlhutchinson]

Coop is out side and has some protection it is next to a shed and privacy fence. So gets some protection from the wind

 

[hlhutchinson]

I would definitely close up the one in the first pic, right at roost level. I'd also install louvers or baffling to the one in the second picture to deflect direct wind but still allow air exchange. It's still very close to the roosts so you may find that it is better to completely close it off during the very coldest spells. If you are closing it completely, I would try and use a material that still allows light in, especially if your run isn't covered because your birds will probably spend a fair amount of time inside. A plexiglass panel cut to size that you can pop out if needed would work. How big is your pop door to the run and will it be kept open at night? If so, go ahead and close up that second one. The long vent along the front roofline I'd leave as is as long as there is a good overhang to keep wet and snow out.

Door is 10x11 I was thinking of closing it, right now we keep it open they have a covered run that is completely covered inhardwire cloth and we have not had a problem with predators so far

 

[IZZYBELLA]

I'm in Maine. I don't think we are as cold as WY, but we do get below 0 sometimes. I have ventilation along the ridge of the roof and that is all that I keep open during the coldest of days. I close the pop door every night and keep it shut when it is storming, really windy, and below 0. I do have one window that lets in light and the girls will follow it as it moves across the coop throughout the day.

In your situation I would certainly close the ventilation that provides a direct draft where they are roosted and close the pop door during the brutal days. Could you trim back some of the branches of the tree so the coop gets more sunlight? I think that helps.

 

[Birdinhand]

we don't get your kind of cold but I have looked into this a bit. the key is making sure that amonia doesn't build up too much inside... you can smell it, and when you do, it's too much and is not good for their lungs. I have insulated my coop fore more efficient grain to egg ratio though this can not be done at the expense of ventilation, so I have added dampered vents that can be adjusted. In your situation, I would add plexi windows so you can open them in the hot summer but close completely in the winter. the light in the winter can really help keep them laying eggs and keep their hormones balanced. they can get seasonal effective disorder just like we can, they too benefit in a variety of ways from the proper amount of light. I would add some vent holes at the crest with dampers on the inside and baffles on the outside, to allow you to adjust flow and prevent draft. the heat from the birds creates upward flow, so you need to continue to allow air in low in the roost area, if it isn't open. If you want to be able to completely close up the roost area, then you also need a vent/baffle toward the bottom to let fresh air in. as air comes in from the bottom and leaves the top, it will help keep the air free of ammonia.

 

[hlhutchinson]

Below 0 F? I did a quick check, Casper's record low was set last December at -31 F. I've worked in those temperatures, if the wind is blowing that can be downright cold.

Is that coop out in the open or is it inside another building? I can't tell for sure. In any case, I'd close the windows and only leave the ventilation at the top open. That way any breezes should be over their heads.

Yes every now and then we get a really cold snap that last a day or two then it goes back above 0 f, last year was unusually cold

 

[Akrnaf2]

IMHO you need 2 opening to keep circulation (the chimney effect)
So I think that you should have another opening/s in the bottom.