Ventilation

[RainValleyFarm]

Best tips for ventilation?
We got an 8x8 shed, it has one window that does not open. What’s the best tips for ventilation and tempature control? We were thinking something similar to an attic fan?

 

[DobieLover]

Best tips for ventilation?
We got an 8x8 shed, it has one window that does not open. What’s the best tips for ventilation and tempature control? We were thinking something similar to an attic fan?

Can you please post pictures of the shed? The entire building on all sides and up under the soffit area.
You can make windows that top hinge.
Hopefully the shed is constructed such that you can remove soffit boards and replace them with 1/2" hardware cloth and also cut large holes in the gable ends for additional ventilation.

 

[Kiki]

Can you cut holes in it?
Pictures please.

 

[saysfaa]

If you go with a fan, get one designed for barns or other such dusty places. A fan designed for a house will not last very long.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

The general rule of thumb is 1 sq ft per hen. It also depends where you live. Colder area means less ventilation, warmer, more humid areas means more ventilation. Personally, I believe the best way to add ventilation is to cut holes and cover with hardware cloth, or have windows that are open 24/7 (and covered with hardware cloth) work too. I also recently drilled a bunch of 1/2 holes above the roost, and right near the roof. As others have said, pictures would also be helpful if your coop. Hope this helps!

 

[RainValleyFarm]

We haven’t finished building it yet. But this is a photo offline of it

 

[DobieLover]

The rafters sit on the top plate so you should be able to cut the top of the sheathing off and staple 1/2" HC over the openings. You can cover the cut edge of the sheathing and further secure the HC by attaching a trim board.
I would also cut out the top 8 - 10" from each gable peak and secure HC over those vents too, again trimming the edges with trim boards. You may also need to fashion an awning or louvers to prevent rain infiltration at the gable peaks.
If you are handy, cut the shingles back about 1-1.5" from both sides of the roof ridge, set a circular saw to the depth of the shingles plus the roof deck and cut out a vent then install a ridge vent and cap shingles.
I would also frame out windows on the load bearing sides and install top hinged windows. You can find old windows on CL for cheap. You can use old vinyl windows, install hinges on them and use barrel bolts on the bottom sides to secure them when you want them closed. Hang from chains/screw hooks or use prop sticks when you want them open. HC cloth stapled to the inside to secure.

 

[3KillerBs]

The rafters sit on the top plate so you should be able to cut the top of the sheathing off and staple 1/2" HC over the openings. You can cover the cut edge of the sheathing and further secure the HC by attaching a trim board.
I would also cut out the top 8 - 10" from each gable peak and secure HC over those vents too, again trimming the edges with trim boards. You may also need to fashion an awning or louvers to prevent rain infiltration at the gable peaks.
If you are handy, cut the shingles back about 1-1.5" from both sides of the roof ridge, set a circular saw to the depth of the shingles plus the roof deck and cut out a vent then install a ridge vent and cap shingles.
I would also frame out windows on the load bearing sides and install top hinged windows. You can find old windows on CL for cheap. You can use old vinyl windows, install hinges on them and use barrel bolts on the bottom sides to secure them when you want them closed. Hang from chains/screw hooks or use prop sticks when you want them open. HC cloth stapled to the inside to secure.

This is such excellent advice that I'm left with nothing to add except,

Welcome to BYC.

 

[aart]

We haven’t finished building it yet. But this is a photo offline of it

Do you have the rafters in yet?
If not, it's a good time to put them on top of the walls top plate...
.... and make them a foot longer.

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[FEATHERFIELD]

This is such excellent advice that I'm left with nothing to add except,

Welcome to BYC.

Hi, I have windows and a flip down vent along the other side. I am still only my second year into chickens and we have a new full shed sized coop That holds 16 chickens.
I am having 6-8. My question is, how often and for how long should the windows be open for? On cold nights is it okay to lock it up tightly, or will that be bad for respiration. I know that drafts are not good for them and last year just covered them with a tarp.
Thank you!