Ventilation design help ideas.

[3KillerBs]

That’s a great idea. How large should the gable vent be?

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

Can you pull the siding off for at least a foot below the roof peak?

 

[M Brennen]

I could put a 20” x 20” air intake grilles on either end of the coop and then block off the rafters with some sort of mesh or netting. Will that help?

 

[Buffy Brahma Mama]

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!

 

[CluckerFamily]

I think that is a great plan!

 

[Buffy Brahma Mama]

The other thing I can think of quickly (and depending on how in depth you want to get with re-doing the ventilation), is to add dormers with operable windows. This would require additional framing, cutting a hole in the roof and flashing/roofing again on that side, and added cost in windows of course. It might add a little more space as well. I would caution blocking the rafters off, as you have to make sure anything you use is safe and they won't get caught in it.

 

[Buffy Brahma Mama]

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.

Daytime you should have no issues. There isn't a simple answer regarding nighttime temps, but if there isn't a lot of airflow, it could get pretty hot in there. Think of a car with only partially open windows on a warm day. Temps could rise considerably and be held in at night when the coop is shut. I have pyramid hip roof on mine and it does get hot at night, especially when its in the 80's over a period of days. During heat waves, the temp in the coop may be uncomfortable. If you take a look in the coop on one of those nights and see if they are breathing heavy, you'll be able to tell its a bit too hot. You can also purchase a couple small temperature gauges on amazon and place them at a few different heights in the coop to check the nighttime temps. Hope it helps and good luck

 

[aart]

I have pyramid hip roof on mine and it does get hot at night,

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
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!

 

[M Brennen]

I just checked the temperature with my thermal temperature gun. Outside temp is 73 and the coop temp is 78. I do have four windows that are open at night. I think I am more worried about the temperature getting too cold inside in the winter.