venting questions

[yellowsnapdrago]

My DH and I started with 6 chicks and a ready made chicken coop, which can be seen within the fenced in area.. Then chicken math took a hold of me and now we have 15 girls. So we have been been converting about 7' of our 15 x 8' shed into a coop for them.

We live in the Seattle area and I want to make sure that our venting adequate. Currently, we have is a 3 1/2" open space between the top plate and the roof on both the front and back sides of the shed and the wind generally blows from the front to the back. We will be replacing the small window in the front with a larger one but don't know what size at this time. What do you think, do we have enough or should we add more?

 

[jetdog]

Definitely add more ventilation, a window on each side would be better, a good cross breeze will help drastically, you can leave them open in the summer and close them a little over the winter. I like the windows that the top sash can be opened with the bottom one remaining closed I think it helps keep the rain out.

 

[yellowsnapdrago]

Thanks Jetdog, I'll see if my DH is willing to do that. If not, do you think that a gable vent on the short side would work?

 

[jetdog]

I did gable vents that have hardware cloth and window screen over them, I cut the 12x12 hole and used it with a hinge at the top so I can regulate how much it is open with a chain, cheaper than buying a vent.

 

[yellowsnapdrago]

That's sounds like something he'd be more willing to do...I appreciate the input!