Ventilation help needed

[vblrn]

I have this shed available to convert to a chicken coop It is 4x 8 and 60” tall at peak. I need help with ventilation. Do I use roof vents, ridge vents (which I think would be a lot of work as roof is already there), or vents in gable area of solid back wall or some combination?

 

[Aunt Angus]

Any suggestions on type to use and placement?

They make venting ridge caps or you can install a cupola. For the others, I'd get in there with a reciprocating saw, cut holes as close up under the eaves as I can, and cover them with hardware cloth.

That's a nice shed, and should make a very nice coop! I prefer converting sheds, and that one has me jealous!

I might cut into that door, too, and put on a louvered cover.

 

[vblrn]

What's your climate like?

I live on the Eastern shore of Maryland Summer has been very hot, winters are anybody’s guess lately

 

[rosemarythyme]

Agree about opening up under the eaves. I'd consider maybe louvered vents in the gables, plus given the hot summers, you're going to want a lot of additional venting, some at roost level, that can be opened up especially in hot weather. Top hinged openings in some of the walls would accomplish that (an example: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/coop-ventilation.1452812/page-2#post-24868607), and they could be closed up if you have cold winters. If climate is more mild in winters you might consider simply opening up most of one wall as wire mesh only.

 

[3KillerBs]

Here's my article on coop ventilation:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/

And my article on hot climate chicken-keeping:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hot-climate-chicken-housing-and-care.77263/

Maryland's eastern shore is a pretty warm climate so you will probably want to go big on your ventilation -- even to the point of replacing most or all of the siding on the southern wall with wire.

Top-hinged windows are highly-recommended because they are their own awnings and you can adjust them according to current conditions.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Cut holes on the sides? Would theybe too low and cause draft at night when they roost

Good question!

As long as their heads are below the vents, they should be fine.

Read @3KillerBs article. It's very informative (and, as an adorable bonus, it features Repecka).

 

[3KillerBs]

As long as their heads are below the vents, they should be fine.

You can see the clearances required in my first coop: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-little-monitor-coop.76275/

 

[ellen60]

They make venting ridge caps or you can install a cupola. For the others, I'd get in there with a reciprocating saw, cut holes as close up under the eaves as I can, and cover them with hardware cloth.

That's a nice shed, and should make a very nice coop! I prefer converting sheds, and that one has me jealous!

I might cut into that door, too, and put on a louvered cover.

Yes, I used louvered vents as close to the top as I can get. One at either end across from one another.

 

[Aunt Angus]

All of the above.

 

[rosemarythyme]

What's your climate like?