Well ventilated but draft free?

[ErinBallard11]

Someone give me their insight and how they keeps their coop "well ventilated, but draft free"? We are building our own, and I was going to add a small vent near the top- is that too much opening for drafts? Thanks

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! It does sound totally contradictory, and really is. Chickens need LOTS of ventilation to manage the moisture that they produce. aart has links to very good information about that issue on his page here. In general, really big vents and windows, all covered in hardware cloth, and maybe partially closed off in very cold weather. As in nearly subzero weather. More information will help; your cclimate, how many birds, breed types, etc. Mary

 

[ErinBallard11]

Thanks Mary, I feel like such a newbie we love in Northern Missouri I have 6 chickens 4 EE hens one EE Roo and 1 BSLink hen.

 

[JackE]

As well ventilated/open, as possible, without subjecting the chickens to cross breezes/drafts, in the cold winter months. Like in the pic below, the whole front wall is hardware cloth, for max fresh air exchange. But, there is no draft, because the rest of the coop is closed, there is no path for the wind to blow through. In the warmer months, all of the other windows, and the entry door, will be open, for max air flow/ventilation through the coop. You want drafts in the warmer months, chickens appreciate it.

They say 1sq ft of ventilation opening per bird, minimum, Go for more, as much as you can get. You are probably going to need more than "A small vent at the top". And build the coop as big as you can. The more room the better. Chickens don't like to be crowded.

 

[ErinBallard11]

Thanks!

 

[WthrLady]

Mine too..
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/ooodalolly-at-dunrovin-station

 

[shelby h]

This is our coop. It's a shed that we made work for us! Instead of putting the window in at the top, we put chicken wire. And then on the rear side my husband took a spade bit and drilled holes an inch in diameter along the top back there. There's (now) a thick layer of bedding on the dirt floor to keep them from damp dirt when the rainy season kicks in. We also just put up a string of led Christmas lights in there on a timer so that there will be light on the gloomy days and dark mornings. Although i think I'll ask him to drill holes on the side closest to the house, too.

 

[aart]

Someone give me their insight and how they keeps their coop "well ventilated, but draft free"? We are building our own, and I was going to add a small vent near the top- is that too much opening for drafts? Thanks

Lots of air movement, openings up high are important as ammonia will rise, but not strong enough drafts to literally 'ruffle the feathers' while they are on the roost.
If feathers are moving, it disturbs their insulative function.

Good article linked in my signature below.

 

[Mrs. K]

Dry birds are warm birds, ventilation is more important than heat!

 

[ErinBallard11]

Thank you all very much!