Ventilation of Bottom Coop

[MEMama3]

I decided that instead of building a second coop that I would use the space (4'x5' and 3' tall) to create a second coop. I've got it all figured out except the ventilation. In the current coop I've got open eaves, two Windows that at 6" tall and run the length of the coop with adjustable shutters and two large openings that get screen in the warm months and wood in the cold months.

Do you think long windows with shutters will be sufficient during the winter without open eaves? My general rule of thumb is open shutters over 32°f and closed if it's colder. The bottom coop would have no secondary ventilation in the winter.

 

[aart]

Can you post a pic?

 

[Hokum Coco]

delete

 

[MEMama3]

Can you post a pic?

I don't really have a picture yet as I'm imagining how this will all go. If you look at my coop page you'll see the coop as it is now. Basically I was going to raise it and put it on concrete blocks and then build in the bottom, adding another communal nest box.

If you find after you complete your project ventilation is inadequate something like this might solve a problem. You and I agree on ventilation practices by the way.

Thanks for the idea! I think they even have skinny ones so I can avoid airflow on their heads. That's the flaw of "short" coops. I want the girls to be able to roost, but I don't want drafts on their heads. It's such a balancing act. If I hadn't worked so hard on the first coop (and I didn't fear irritating town officials that have kindly looked the other way) I would scrap this one and do a nice walk-in shed style coop.

 

[chfite]

You could just add windows to the new part as in the old part.

Chris

 

[Hokum Coco]

Even something as simple as a hole cut in the side wall similar to the hole cut in this door with hardware cloth installed on the inside of the side wall.

Then you could hinged the wood rectangle cut out of the side wall to allow for ventilation.

You could even take it a step further at some point and installed a piece of glass into the wood.

Just by cutting out a hole in the wood allowing for a ¼ inch lip on the perimeter of the rectangle to hold a piece of glass (in my case I just cut a piece out of a clear plastic container) in place with a bead of silicone.