Here is a pic of the side of our chicken coop cutout. I want to make sure we have the proper ventilation before we put the rest together. The circle is an 8” soffit vent. The square is a 10” gable vent. We are going to put a window below whatever vent we choose, covered in hardware cloth that can be opened and closed. The opposite side of this coop will mirror this side, with whatever we choose. The roost will go a bit above the level of the egg box. Want to make sure I get the spacing right for the vent and window so it’s mainly above the roost. Considering a ridge vent. Can we make our own, if so how? We also think we should put some windows on the doors to access the poop tray which is the opposite side of the egg box. We will have an open space under the coop for them to get in from the run to the coop, it will always be open, and the run will be rock solid predator proof. Housing 4 hens. Is this adequate ventilation? We live in Missouri, very hot summers and very cold winters!
Which vent?
- Thread starter Bcmacias
- Start date
(sorry I couldn't quickly find example of something more reasonably scaled)
My little 4'x4' coop with the monitor roof.
We have a similar looking coop as the original poster. We did a ridge vent. I just have to use a snow rake to clear it after every snow storm. We have rectangular ridge vents and we leave the windows open every day of the year. Also, we consider the run secure enough that the pop door is never closed. We also prop open the egg nest door a few inches most days. The run protects the windows from all but horizontal rain. The more ventilation the better.
I say more ventilation is better, so unless the bigger one would be too big for the coop, as in it would create a draft directly on the birds when they roost, I'd do the rectangle.
Post pics of the coop, we may have even better ideas.
Post pics of the coop, we may have even better ideas.
U_Stormcrow
Crossing the Road
Assuming the framing doesn't interfere, and that it doesn't put a draft on a roosting bird, use the largest sq inch vent you can. Generally, that's the square, then likely the rectangle.
Roof vents are easy, I did that on mine. You have a number of commerically available options, generally and sturdier/cheaper than you can buy on your own. Which you choose depends largely on roofing material. i used 5v metal roofing, so I have a metal ridge vent. When I reroofed the pool house back in TX, it was shingled to match the house, so I cut the plywood decking to allow air flow (center ridge rafter design, not a pre-engineered truss) after I shingled it to the peak, wrapped flashing tape to protect the now fresh cut edges,nailed down the vent (GAF Copra 2), and installed the top cap shingles.
As was mentioned elsewhere, if you have heavy snows, a ridge cap wont allow much venting. Then you'd be better off building something taller on the ridge to allow more airflow, with a greater overhang to prevent the elements from entering in a strong wind. Think/take inspiration from:
(sorry I couldn't quickly find example of something more reasonably scaled)
and of course steeper is better for roof plus snow. Minimum (recommended) pitch for shingle or steel roofing is 3/12, but I personally find 5/12 or 7/12 to be be much superior for quickly shedding the elements - though 7/12 sucks when you are installing or repairing it.
Roof vents are easy, I did that on mine. You have a number of commerically available options, generally and sturdier/cheaper than you can buy on your own. Which you choose depends largely on roofing material. i used 5v metal roofing, so I have a metal ridge vent. When I reroofed the pool house back in TX, it was shingled to match the house, so I cut the plywood decking to allow air flow (center ridge rafter design, not a pre-engineered truss) after I shingled it to the peak, wrapped flashing tape to protect the now fresh cut edges,nailed down the vent (GAF Copra 2), and installed the top cap shingles.
As was mentioned elsewhere, if you have heavy snows, a ridge cap wont allow much venting. Then you'd be better off building something taller on the ridge to allow more airflow, with a greater overhang to prevent the elements from entering in a strong wind. Think/take inspiration from:
(sorry I couldn't quickly find example of something more reasonably scaled)
and of course steeper is better for roof plus snow. Minimum (recommended) pitch for shingle or steel roofing is 3/12, but I personally find 5/12 or 7/12 to be be much superior for quickly shedding the elements - though 7/12 sucks when you are installing or repairing it.
A 10" square vent is double the square inches of a 8" round.
So the square would be better. Is there enough overhang to keep rain out of the vent?
I'm in Missouri too. Two of my buildings have ridge vents that are great but are virtually worthless when the roof is covered with snow. In that case, the only ventilation afforded would be at the ends of the ridge.
A premanufactured ridge vent is the easiest way to go. Cut a couple inches (depending on the vent) along the top of both sides of roof decking. Apply the tar paper or whatever underlayment and then the shingles. Then attach the ridge vent and then cover that with a ridge course of shingles.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/GAF-Cob...8g01z6lh_6rce0FkLrRoCOikQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Try to keep your windows open for all but the stormiest nights and you'll be fine.
So the square would be better. Is there enough overhang to keep rain out of the vent?
I'm in Missouri too. Two of my buildings have ridge vents that are great but are virtually worthless when the roof is covered with snow. In that case, the only ventilation afforded would be at the ends of the ridge.
A premanufactured ridge vent is the easiest way to go. Cut a couple inches (depending on the vent) along the top of both sides of roof decking. Apply the tar paper or whatever underlayment and then the shingles. Then attach the ridge vent and then cover that with a ridge course of shingles.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/GAF-Cob...8g01z6lh_6rce0FkLrRoCOikQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Try to keep your windows open for all but the stormiest nights and you'll be fine.
Last edited:
Vickischics
Life, is a Learning curve.
More ventilation the better.
I would love to have a solar attic vent on my coop roof. But, my "Want" list is Long!!!
I want,want,want! Lol
I would love to have a solar attic vent on my coop roof. But, my "Want" list is Long!!!
I want,want,want! Lol
Size of actual vent is the most important thing. Beyond that, they all work similarly, so pick whichever appeals to you.
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Yes we are, and we are enjoying it.
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