Ventilation fan recommendations

[Heidi Marston]

We are realizing that our coop needs more ventilation. I am looking for fan recommendations that are mounted on walls or roof ventilation fans. Our coop is 8' X 4' and has the slanted lean to type roof. We have hardware cloth covering the two vents that exist. One on the north wall and one on the south wall. The vents we created were 8' long but only about 4 inches wide. The west door has a small hardware cloth opening and the east side is solid.

We live in Illinois so we experience all 4 seasons. This is our first coop and first experience with chickens. I would appreciate any suggestions on where to put the vents and if an electric powered fan or ventilation system is needed and where it would be best located. Or if you've had success with a solar powered fan or ventilation system.
Thanks in advance for any advice!!!

 

[RoosterML]

We are realizing that our coop needs more ventilation. I am looking for fan recommendations that are mounted on walls or roof ventilation fans. Our coop is 8' X 4' and has the slanted lean to type roof. We have hardware cloth covering the two vents that exist. One on the north wall and one on the south wall. The vents we created were 8' long but only about 4 inches wide. The west door has a small hardware cloth opening and the east side is solid.

We live in Illinois so we experience all 4 seasons. This is our first coop and first experience with chickens. I would appreciate any suggestions on where to put the vents and if an electric powered fan or ventilation system is needed and where it would be best located. Or if you've had success with a solar powered fan or ventilation system.
Thanks in advance for any advice!!!View attachment 2370865View attachment 2370866View attachment 2370867

I personally don’t think you need a fan. With your roof setup you should be getting plenty of ventilation.
You could add one low on the door.
Also both gable ends could have vents installed.

 

[aart]

Is the back lower eave of roof open too?
Why do you think you need more vents?

 

[RoosterML]

Is the back lower eave of roof open too?
Why do you think you need more vents?

I would say yes it is open also.
“One on the north wall and one on the south wall.”

 

[aart]

I would say yes it is open also.
“One on the north wall and one on the south wall.”

It doesn't look open in the pic is why I asked.

 

[Heidi Marston]

Yes, there is a vent, albeit small, along that back north wall. It has an opening of about 2 inches and runs the span of the coop which is 8' long.

I feel like the coop is "stuffy" when I go an check on it. I am also a very nervous, first time chicken owner and don't want to screw it up. I have a thermometer and a humidity gauge in it and the temp and humidity are almost identical to what the outside temp and humidity is.

 

[Heidi Marston]

I personally don’t think you need a fan. With your roof setup you should be getting plenty of ventilation.
You could add one low on the door.
Also both gable ends could have vents installed.
View attachment 2370876View attachment 2370878

Thank you!

 

[aart]

Yes, there is a vent, albeit small, along that back north wall. It has an opening of about 2 inches and runs the span of the coop which is 8' long.

I'd open it up like the front one is....will create some good passive flow.

We live in Illinois

Northern or Southern?
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[Heidi Marston]

I'd open it up like the front one is....will create some good passive flow.


Northern or Southern?
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2371125

Northern Illinois

 

[RoosterML]

Yes, there is a vent, albeit small, along that back north wall. It has an opening of about 2 inches and runs the span of the coop which is 8' long.

I agree with @aart opening that north wall soffit area to allow the same 4” as the south side should be all you need. If ambitious add another opening in the lower portion of the door and your good. You can leave that one hinged to close it if needed.