Where would you recommend ventilation in this? And other questions...

[madicakes]

I am building this shed to use as a coop. I have purchased two 12" square vents, like what is used as intake vents in a home with central air, and plan on putting one above the door and one at the same height on the opposite (back) wall. The door in the photo is about 7' high, but I am going to make mine more like 6' high, to allow for the vents. All in all I think the shed is about 8' tall at it's highest point. The walls are approximately 4 1/2' high. The dimensions are 8' L x 7' W. I will be placing windows on the side walls, which will allow for opening during the warm seasons, and closed in the winter. I am thinking of putting the roosts on the far back wall, but will the vent be too close to them? I was thinking about leaving the roof open about 2" tall at the first "peak" on each side, and creating an overhang to keep rain from entering at that point. (So basically the roof would be separated there, instead of being connected at the bends). I guess I want to make sure they will have enough ventilation, but also not too much of a draft. There will be 6 standard chickens, 2 banties and 2 ducks sharing this coop.

Is this shed too large to put on 2' high posts to raise it off of the ground, to create shade under it for the chickens, and to also make the most of my yard space? I would be using 2 x 6s for the floor frame and joists and 4x4s for the support posts. I am going to put a post in each corner and one in the center on all 4 sides. I'm guessing it will be okay as long as it is supported well enough. I will add steps to access the coop for cleaning, etc.

ETA - Forgot the picture!




Thanks for your help! You guys rock!!

 

[flyboy129]

Those vents should work fine. Your thoughts of putting them up as high are spot on. The overhang idea would also work. A general rule of thumb is about 1 sq foot of ventilation per bird. If you're converting that measurement to inches, 1 sq ft is the same as 144 sq inches. Just make sure the ventilation is above the chickens heads when they roost. A window or two for light as well as a cooling breeze during the summertime is a great thought. They don't have to be fancy. Even a couple of storm windows would work. Keep an eye on CL and your local classifieds. Thats where I found some for my coop addition (stinkin chicken math). Remember to cover the screens with hardware cloth. Sounds like you have done your homework. I see no reason that couldnt be elevated. You could even use the 4x4s to extend up into the minibarn, basically becoming the 4 corners. That would make it way more structurally stable and keep it from trying to rack where the floor meets the posts. I doubt you will need more than 4 posts since the span is only 8' and you are planning using 2x6s for joists. You can always add a few 2x4s vertically if you're just needing something to attach hardware cloth to.

Seems like you have a pretty good concept. Just my thoughts. I regularly build stuff. Including a minibarn I built for my coop as well. Shoot, the 2x6 joists hold up my riding lawnmower just fine, although I do have a support in the middle of the barn.

 

[blucoondawg]

I agree on all points. 4 posts at the corners is plenty for that little shed

 

[madicakes]

Great! Thanks so much both of you