Ventilation advice for my coop???

[TBirdsTheWord33]

Our makeshift coop desperately needs LOTS more ventilation, and we're going to have to do it "on the cheap." As you can see, 3 sides of the coop are outside walls with windows, so I don't think it's going to be complicated to open things up. 4 of the 5 windows have glass panes and screens, while the 5th one broke and was covered with plywood before we bought the farm. I was thinking of just removing the glass panes, but I'm going to need to find a way to reinforce/predator-proof the screens, and I'm also concerned about keeping out the rain. Would awnings be a good option? They might look tacky, but as you can see, our coop isn't much to look at, anyway, so that's not a huge concern.

I'm new to this and would appreciate your thoughts and ideas. Thank you!!!

 

[Judy]

Can you remove those two metal looking triangular panels and replace them with hardware cloth? I would probably replace the window screen with hardware cloth (1/4") and consider doing the two metal panels as well.

The easy way to fix the rain problem would be to put a larger, metal roof over the present one. Not necessarily the cheapest, though it might be more cost effective than you would expect -- especially if you can get your hands on some used "roofing tin."

 

[wlantry]

Take out the windows. Get some old 2 x 4s, and frame the inside of the openings, attaching the wood securely. Nail or screw hardware cloth to the new frames. Cut some old plywood to about 8 inches wide... Screw that to the top of the new frames as an awning.

 

[TBirdsTheWord33]

We have TONS of wood of all shapes and sizes in the barns, so building frames for hardware cloth and attaching plywood awnings is doable. I'll need to get some VERY BASIC carpentry tools. Any recommendations?

 

[wlantry]

A saw. Circular saws are cheap as dirt, new or used. Also, you need a drill to drive screws.

For this project, that's all you need. Maybe some strong tinsnips to cut the hardware cloth.

 

[TBirdsTheWord33]

Thank you!!! We're going into town today and will do some pricing. I truly appreciate you both for your advice. We would extend the coop roof if we possibly could (and remodel the old barn, too); however, money is super tight at the moment, so I think we'll have to go with the cheaper option for now.

 

[Judy]

Unfortunately, hardware cloth (wire mesh) isn't cheap.

There is an excellent article on ventilation linked in my sig line, if you haven't already seen it.

 

[wlantry]

Unfortunately, hardware cloth (wire mesh) isn't cheap.

This is quite true. On the other hand, she only needs a few feet. Hard to tell the size from the pictures, but one or two of these might do it: http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-1-2-in-x-2-ft-x-5-ft-Hardware-Cloth-308221HD/204331879

 

[TBirdsTheWord33]

We picked up 2 rolls of hardware cloth yesterday. The cost was $15.99 per 36"x10' roll. The circular saw came from Harbor Freight, so it was pretty reasonable. When all is said and done, we should have under $100 invested in this project. We plan to tackle it one window at a time. Wish us luck!

 

[JanetS]

That will make a great coop. Do you have any pictures of the inside?