Ventilation

[JDN]

None. I assume I should add some vents. How many and wear?

At the top. Under the eaves.

I might do something like this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-...C-_-NavPLPHorizontal1_rr-_-NA-_-205375574-_-N

Alternatively, you could take a one inch spade bit and drill 1 inch holes at the top. 45 holes=1 square foot. Sounds like a lot, but I bet if you did two rows of six between each stud you'd greatly improve the ventilation while not making it drafty.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

To me, especially for OP, that's kind of like buying a pump rather than fixing a flat tire.

The coop has zero ventilation in it. Even in MN the birds will be fine with higher ventilation, especially with her heat lamp. I'm not going to opine on the safety of said lamp.

The easy thing would be to cut some louvered vents up top on either end.

I agree with you , @JDN. But as so many others had already mentioned more ventilation, I thought that adding a hygrometer to the mix might be helpful. Fix the flat tire, yes, but keep a compressor around in case something happens again...

 

[WindingRoad]

i am treating my flock for respiratory issues and am wondering if maybe I need more ventilation. Sorry for such bad pictures. It’s snowing here. How do you know for sure if you have enough? Should I buy a humidity gauge? The two ramps/doors are open all day and closed at night. There are two windows but I keep them closed. Should I crack them a little?

Check your walls and ceilings after cooping up i.e. am feed time. NO frost on the ceiling if you can reach check if not look closely. NO wet walls if any of this is present then you need more ventilation.

ETA: check again after you open or make some vents. To make sure you have enough if you still find condensation on the ceiling or walls add more. My birds have made it here in Maine at -20F over night.

 

[Matilda Belle]

I'm ordering a hygrometer and waiting for an estimate from a contractor.

I appreciate everyone's advice.

 

[123RedBeard]

In the meantime ... open the windows at the top 2"-3" ...

 

[123RedBeard]

Alternatively, you could take a one inch spade bit and drill 1 inch holes at the top. 45 holes=1 square foot.

Not quite ...

1" hole equals 0.785" square inch ... a square foot is 144 square inches
... equals 184 1" holes ...

 

[Matilda Belle]

The windows don't open on the top so I just cracked the bottom a little.