Ventilation verification

[Nightbrew]

Hi all I am new to the site. I have been using this forum to answer questions as I am preparing my coop and run areas. I would like to verify my thoughts on ventilation. In my barn I am converting a 12x11 room into a coop for probably 4 chickens. Right now it has one south facing window that is about 33x23 and a fully enclosed ceiling. I am planning on removing the ceiling and replacing w/chicken wire to keep the coons etc out. I assume this is enough ventilation but I could be wrong, is this enough? The ceiling is about 9 feet high if that matters. Thanks ahead of time. As a side question is ammonia lighter or heavier than air? Does it sink or rise?

 

[dbounds10]

I have heard that they need 1 sq foot per bird of ventilation in the winter and more in the summer so it sounds like you will have plenty. I just want to offer a sugestion...chicken wire is only to keep chickens in, it wont keep anything out. Its to weak and they can tear it up. I use 1/4 inch galvanized hardware cloth. Its much more durable.

 

[mallory2013]

That should be enough. Ammonia is heavier, so it is the worst at the chicken's height. If you can smell ammonia while you are standing upright then you have way too much ammonia and not enough ventilation. Hope this helps.

 

[mallory2013]

Oh and

from CT!

 

[teach1rusl]

That will be TONS of ventilation! But I agree with dbounds...not sure what the current ceiling is made of, but most commercial grade chicken/poultry wire can't be any safer than what's there now. The stuff really is so flimsy that's it's pretty much only good for containing chickens, not protecting chickens. So if there's a chance that you do have raccoons around your area, I would opt for a much heavier wire of some kind than chicken wire.

 

[Nightbrew]

Thanks for the advice, also I wasnt aware that standard chicken wire is that week! I know there is more to the ventilation thing than just ammonia but should I be removing the ceiling or should I leave it be? I just figured they needed more than one window in the coop area, but then again I am new to this.

 

[teach1rusl]

Have you considered putting a window into one or two of the walls inside the barn area??? Wouldn't have to be "real" windows - just cut window openings and nail wire over them. Sounds easier than doing the ceiling to me and would open up a lot of ventilation...

 

[Nightbrew]

I guess that is part of my question, would they benefit more from windows, even if they are for the interior of the barn, or from an opened up ceiling? Part of me thought that if the ceiling remained it might be better for winter.

 

[CopperCT]

Quote:
Using the interior windows already suggeested would give you the ventilation you need without going to the trouble of removing the ceiling. I also agree that chicken wire is too weak to keep the birds safe. Consider using welded wire or hardware cloth on the inside and outside "windows". I agree if you are in a cold climate having a solid ceiling will help keep in more heat. Good luck with your build.

 

[Nightbrew]

I live in southern missouri, so do you think for temp control and proper venting maybe leave the ceiling and install another window or two? Just want whats best for the birds. Thanks again for all the help.