Ventilation design help ideas.

[M Brennen]

I have built my run and am now in the process of trying to provide more ventilation in my coop. I realize that it will be impossible to provide the total amount needed. I have 45 birds. I am working with an existing 8’ x 14’ gambrel structure about 10’ high at the peak. I want to open the ends above the doors and am thinking about installing large return air grilles. My concern is that my birds roost in the rafters and I don’t want there to be a draft. I will also put air grilles that can be opened or closed above each window. I am hoping that now with a secure run I will be able to open the back door until it gets below freezing. I could really use some input, ideas, thoughts?

 

[aart]

I blocked the rafters off with tarps a few years ago. I could do that again, but would that defeat the purpose of the vents?

Use mesh, chicken wire would work.

 

[aart]

Put roosts lower and block rafters from roosting.
Kinda small space for 45 birds.
Gambrels are tough to ventilate.
Could go with this:

 

[aart]

Regarding vents manufactured for eaves. I just bought some made of aluminum but the metal was literally paper thin. I had to err on the side of caution and put 1/2” hardware cloth over them. These vents also are made with mosquito screening on the inside which will probably get choked up with feathers and dust really fast. I suggest you remove the screens.

Don't even bother with purchased vent covers.....

 

[aart]

I am more worried about the temperature getting too cold inside in the winter.

Ventilation is way more important than temps in winter...and all year.
I use a fan during summer heat waves to help bring down the temp inside coop late in day.

 

[BDutch]

I blocked the rafters off with tarps a few years ago. I could do that again, but would that defeat the purpose of the vents?

Or you can screw/staple hwc under the rafters.

 

[M Brennen]

Once you get the roof ventilation squared away, you might also consider an inline fan if you have electricity nearby. AC Infinity makes a nice one. You can even attach a charcoal filter to it. You would need to buy a grate cover for it, so that no chickys or critters touch the fan blades of course. There are also USB charging fans that can be used when nights are super hot. You can clip a few on the rafters and if you get a good one, they will run all night. Good luck!

What would be super hot? I live in Vermont. Hot days have been in the 90’s, but drop to the 60’s at night. My coop is in the shade and tHe chicken have access to their completely open run all day long.

 

[aart]

As big as you can possibly make it without interfering with the structure.

An keep in mind you'll need to protect it from rain and snow infiltration,
so louvers would be a good idea.

 

[M Brennen]

An keep in mind you'll need to protect it from rain and snow infiltration,
so louvers would be a good idea.

I was looking at something like this.

 

[Buffy Brahma Mama]

Got pics?
Make a coop page here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/member-pages.10/
so you can share.

Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @Buffy Brahma Mama
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Thank you! I'll fill in my details soon I'm in CT.