Ventilation

[Kchud22]

I'm going to start working on the ventilation for my coop. How big of an opening should I put on the front and back. Coop is being built out of a 6x12 shed that has a 9ft peak. I'm planing on cutting holes and covering with hardware cloth and screen. Any and all advise is welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[aart]

Please post pics of your coop/shed.......
....and....
Welcome to BYC! @Kchud22
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!

 

[Sally PB]

The "rule" of thumb for ventilation is 1 sf per chicken, open 24/7/365, covered in hardware cloth. That may NOT be enough if you live in a warm climate.

Ventilation needs to be up high, above the chickens' heads when they're roosting. Along the peak is the best place, if you can put it up there.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

As @aart said, we want to see your coop and know where you are.

As @Sally PB said, you want your 24/7/365 weather sheltered free ventilation up high - and you want a lot of it. More in warm humid climates (like mine).

So I'll add my bit. If you are drilling holes, its likely not enough. Snap a line, take a circular saw, set your blade depth, cut a long strip and remove the material there. Sheds tend to have almost no roof overhang unless you built them yourself - that poses a challenge. You may be reattaching that material as a rain/snow diverter.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Learn from my mistakes. This was my second "coop" (mostly its a goat shed now). My third will be better, I don't share pictures of my first.

 

[Kchud22]

I have updated my location but if it didn't stick this time I am in western New York. So cold snowy winters. I just installed a window to get some light inside. I will get some better pics tomorrow. I was thinking about putting vents in the top of the peak front and back. And if I have to I think I can open up all along the over hangs on the sides.

 

[Brooks_]

I don't share pictures of my first

Nor do I.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Leave the roof, remove the "wall" between the rafters. You gain 1 sq ft of free ventilation for each 3.5' of length, if that's 2x4 rafters. Roughly 1 sq ft venting for every 2.25 linear feet if 2x6 rafters.

Then attach the hardware cloth to the bottom of the rafters on the outside.

 

[Kchud22]

OK so no need to add vents at the peaks front and back?

 

[U_Stormcrow]