ventilation using shutters, anyone?

[trudyg]

I'm getting my prefab shed setup as a coop. I have put on wire mesh in place of the 6' high by 54" wide double doors and the 24" by 30" window. I think I need more ventilation, especially since I hope to close the solid doors to keep out wet weather at times. The shed has ridge venting as well as soffit 'blade' vents. Do you think that's enough? I am thinking of cutting out 'window' spaces between the studs, so maybe 12" wide by 24" tall, use wire screen on the inside and put louvered shutters on the outside so that I can close them if the rain is blowing in but still have air circulating. I can adjust where I put them so to avoid drafts. (I'm constantly battling DH, who thinks the window is enough and wants to keep the big doors closed). Or, I could cut holes and put those house-type louvered vents but then I wouldn't be able to open them. Please advise and suggest options. I've read the ventilation threads, so I really feel I need more. So far only 5 birds in an 8X12 shed, in North Alabama so it's hot, humid and stormy this time of year.

 

[member 373180]

It sounds like there is plenty of venting near the top to allow hot air to escape. If you want more fresh air circulation maybe a louvered intake low on the wall opposite the window? This would only be one small extra hole but I think would make a big difference. Also, if you can put the structure in the shade, that helps a lot to prevent heat buildup during the day.

 

[trudyg]

I'm not so concerned about hot air escaping but moisture. We have high humidity most of the year--so bad my grass is always wet, even when it hasn't rained for days. So, has anyone used louvered shutters? Do they let in/out enough air to mitigate moisture? Or, since I keep reading that more ventilation is better, is what I have now okay? I need to close the double doors so it can't rain in, but leave them open otherwise. Since we rain an awful lot, they stay shut often. Then all I have is the small window, soffit vents and roof ridge vent. Is that enough?

 

[NorthTexasWink]

I agree with adding more ventilation. Here in north Texas, we can't have enough. My henhouse is open hardware cloth at the top of the walls (under the roofline) all four sides, between 2/3 and 1/3 open depending on which side. We also get high temps and high humidity. I'm still doing finish work on my coop, but planning on either louvered shutters or solid homemade storm shutters. I will probably be going with a mix of both. Not only will it cool and decrease humidity, but catch the stray breeze during hot weather. I know chickens can't use evaporative cooling through sweating, but they still seem to seek out the breezes in hot weather. I know I'll appreciate them while working in there! You need to worry more about heat and humidity than cold. Your chickens also need to get adequate light, preferably sunlight, to stay healthy and productive. I think you are on the right track.

 

[Folly's place]

Lots of openings, all covered in hardware cloth. Mary