Ventilation suggestions

[3nglishteacher]

I have 26 Ameracaunas, 13 wks old. We built a nice sized coop but I worry about heat as the summer progresses. There's one good sized window -- should I put a fan in it like a horse barn? or would the breeze be too much? We're in Virginia so August will be HOT and humid. The coop is 10x12. Thanks!

 

[patandchickens]

Is one window all the ventilation you have? Because if so, it's time to get out the Sawzall

You need good-sized ventilation flaps (or windows) on at least two, preferably 4 sides. Not just thin slits either, but a significant acreage of openable area.

You can use a fan if you really want -- put it blowing *out* not in -- but it can't be a horse barn sized one, and you will still HAVE to have other ventilation openings as well, for the air to come in. Honestly for that size coop a fan seems like major overkill (and an unneccesary electrical hazard - remembering that inexpensive houshold fans do not necessarily deal well, on a long term basis, with rain and huge amounts of dust) unless the coop is located in a completely breezeless location and you have some reason for wanting to seriously limit the vent/window area. (I can't think of what such a reason could consist of, tho).

Really truly, just put lots of ventilation openings on 3 or 4 sides, at least some of it high up so that it will be usable in the winter too (you will need lotsa ventilation in wintertime too, yes, even tho it is cold in the winter), and you will be entirely fine without a fan

Good luck,

Pat

 

[pvc coop]

Would opening up the nesting box lid during the day help creat a wind flow thru the coop window?

 

[3nglishteacher]

Actually, we're building the nesting boxes today

but I think to be safe we will CUT a window on the side opposite the present window as a good breeze usually rolls across from that direction. I had also thought I may check out the rehab store for an old screen door, or just build one to replace the wooden door. That would have 3 sides well ventilated. I really don't want to cut the 4th wall as the roost ladder runs up more than half of it.

Thanks for the reality check. I just had no idea till these last few warm days how much heat those gals generate!

 

[LynneP]

Great idea and if you add vents, remember they need to be predator proof!

Good news is that the metal covers at the hardware store are inexpensive and you can use 1/2" hardware cloth too (the metal kind).

 

[dogzrule5]

My barn is about 12 x 12, I think and it just has one big front door and vents along two of the side (the walls don't meet the roof). It gets quite hot in there so part of my improvements consisted of me cutting a "window" in the back wall. I made it a couple of feet wide and about 1 1/2 foot high and covered it securely with hardware cloth. It's up high so I don't think anything can reach it anyway. I did hang a box fan in there but have it blowing inward, so will turn it around tonight.

I also cut a small chicken door in one side and moved an old dog pen down and attached it so the hens can go from inside the barn to the little dog pen run. It's making my life a lot easier.

So after reading this, I'm wondering - should make another "window" on the remaining solid wall? It really does get hot in there.

thanks,
Phyllis