Ventilation Question

[dominiques]

Hi, We are in the process of redoing a stall in our barn for chickens. Plywood is up and we've figured out how to predator proof it. Now we're wondering about ventilation. There is a door that has access into the barn which can be opened once we get a screen made. And across from that is a window that goes out to a 3 sided lean too. So there is some cross ventilation there. That's it. The wall facing the other stall has no window. And the outside east/south wall has no window. I was wondering do we put a window into the outside wall? If we do then what about winter ventilation. All our windows are too big to have open throughout the winter months. We live in Maine and do have very hardy birds. Thoughts, suggestions, tips??? Thank you!! Mary

 

[dominiques]

Here's a pic of what we're doing. This is plywood going up onto the outside wall.

 

[Joe.G]

Do you have more pic's showing all the different parts of the coop?
How big is the area?
How Many birds?

 

[dominiques]

Hi Joe, The picture above shows the plywood going up on the outside wall (facing south/east). It also shows an eastern wall that leads into a 3 sided shed. Very open. That's the window you can see going into that "shed" area. The little exit door for the chickens will go out there because part of the run will be in there. Here's another pic. It's an inside wall facing another horse stall. We just finished the plywood on that and the wall showing my husband and son putting the plywood up. I'll take a pic and post it later of the wall where I'm standing. It's an inside wall with a people door into the barn. North/west side kind of. So two walls are plywood. So...here's another inside wall:

 

[dominiques]

Oppsss...its a 12X9 stall and so far 9 birds. My goal is 12 hens.

 

[Joe.G]

Ok Nice size space with a small amount of birds, If it were me I myself would hardware wire over the windows, and build a door out of Hardware cloth/wire also, Since the door leads to the barn and not directly out side I would leave the door open year round ( You could cover part of the door in plastic if you wish in the winter ) maybe close it on the real cold windy days if that is a issue. You can do the same for the windows, If you can you could also cut a vent or two that go into the main part of the barn, By doing this you'll allow fresh air in and out with out letting the coldest air of the winter in. I am guessing it is probably a little warmer and less drafty in your barn then outside.

Why are you putting the plywood up? were the walls open before?

 

[dominiques]

Hi Joe, As I was taking this next picture I was thinking of cutting vents on the inside walls, just like you suggested! Thank you! The plywood went up because there were so many spaces between the wood. Tons!! We took down paper that was covering stuff and found tons of openings so we just plywooded it over. Think that was a good idea? Here's the final pic taking a picture of the door facing into the barn. Facing northish. I love the idea of the hardware cloth door. We will definitely do that. Thanks for great suggestions. Here's the final pic.

 

[dominiques]

PS - What you don't see in the above pic is the door. It's a 1/2 door - 2 parts, a top and a bottom.

 

[Joe.G]

I love old barns, I see in the last pic that wall appears to be made with old doors?
Plywood is Ok I may have just covered any holes and what not with hardware Cloth, but you are there and know better, What you want to watch for are any big gaps, a Weassel will wipe out your whole flock while you sleep, I see some gaps in the ceiling I think there is insulation stuffed in there I would Def wire over them, 1/2 x 1/2 square Hardware cloth will be fine, Stay away from chicken wire not strong enough.

 

[dominiques]

Hi Joe, I love barns too. I know we're really lucky to have one. It's fun working on the coop and seeing the evidence of horses chewing through wood and what not. Thank you for your keen eyes and comments. I really appreciate you sharing your time and thoughts. That's really nice of you.
My son went upstairs in the barn today and looked for "light". He said light came up from the coop everywhere so he covered the entire floor (coop's ceiling) with 1/2" hardware cloth. He first stapled it down but could pull it up easily so he then used screws and washers and secured it and then finally went over each seam and edge with straplings of wood. As he said, "No sucker is getting into this coop this way!" We went around and put hardware cloth over any gaps we found. We've got one problem left and that's the door. When we shut the door there are really large gaps at the top and the bottom. I'm not sure how to handle that since the door opens and closes. Here I'll post a picture. You can see the door on the right of the pic and the inside wall that we plywooded. And I'll post some pics of what we've done so far. Made nice progress this weekend. Thanks for your help Joe!!! .