Ventilation Question

[Colberon]

We live in Northern Maine on the Canadian border, we have long, harsh winters with cold winds and blowing snow starting typically in November and continuing until at least March or April. We recently purchased a 6' X 8'-foot ice shack that we are turning into a coop. (Adding LP Smart Siding on the outside) We also have an attached run that is 5' x 15' and we use clear hard plastic panels to close it in during the winter months but will leave approximately 18 inches open at the top all the way around. (We are expanding the run to 15' x 15', but might not happen until spring.) The building has two windows that are approximately 10" x 18" that we plan to cover with wire and will be able to prop the windows open. I also purchased some vents, I have two vents that are 10" x 10" and three that are 6" x 14" that I plan to put up high above the roosting bar. These vents are adjustable, fingers crossed that the ice and snow don't freeze them so I can't adjust. I anticipate not being able to "prop" the windows much in the winter due to the extreme cold; do you think the vents will be enough when the temps are near zero and below? I have read quite a few articles on ventilation, but it seems most aren't in climates such as ours. I welcome advice on what I should do to keep our girls safe and happy all winter long.

 

[Colberon]

 

[WIchickMama]

How many birds to do you have?

 

[Colberon]

How many birds to do you have?

7

 

[WIchickMama]

Recommendation is 1 sq ft of ventilation per bird. But really as much as possible you can add is best.

 

[Colberon]

Recommendation is 1 sq ft of ventilation per bird. But really as much as possible you can add is best.

Yes, I have read that, but I do worry about the extreme cold that we have and wonder how others handle this.

 

[WIchickMama]

I live in WI we get weeks now 0 deg F and I didn't close up any of my ventilation during the night. I did cover a couple vents during the day when their pop up door was open bc the northern winds created a wind tunnel in the cool and they couldn't hunker down without ruffled feathers. When their feathers get ruffled they lose heat.

 

[kcan2]

In case this helps, I recall @Sally PB mentioning using furnace filter material over openings in cold weather to block drafts:

I don't know if this is different...

In the winter, I have furnace filter material over 3 ventilation areas that are near roost level, to allow air exchange, but cut the breeze down to almost nothing. The two large openings above roost level are north and south, so they get a lot of wind from those directions. I cover the bottom half of those, so the breeze is at the top of the coop, running the length of the roof, which is an arch.

When I go in to clean the poop board, there can be a strong breeze up by my head. I duck down to roost level, and there is air movement, but it wouldn't ruffle feathers.

 

[Happy hen lover]

Nice find on the ice house! Your birds will only spend most of time outside with panel covers so I think you'll be okay. I liked the idea of blocking those bitter winds and snow with filters, but letting some air through. Make sure run is secure so they can be where they want.

 

[saysfaa]

...do you think the vents will be enough when the temps are near zero and below?

No.

Yes, I have read that, but I do worry about the extreme cold that we have and wonder how others handle this.

I'm in a similar climate. My solution was three solid walls and one open wall. The three solid walls gave the wind nowhere to go so it did not blow through no matter how strong the wind was blowing or from which direction. The proportions of the building matter; I would leave the bottom four or six feet of one of your short walls open (covered with hardware cloth or the metal lath used for stucco). Actually, leave the bottom-most foot or two solid to keep the bedding in then leave it open most of the rest of the way. Mine is all the way to the eaves and that works well but I think six or so feet would work too. Four probably would and that could save some cutting of your 4x8 siding sheet.

The first picture shows the most snow that sifted in, the second is the same day to show what kind of day it was. I might have had less snow sift in if I had closed off the ridge vent as well as the eave vents.

There are other good solutions but this solution is very effective and easy.

Edit to add: Maybe it is obvious but just in case. I was standing in the storage area to take that picture, there is a solid wall behind me.