whirligigs

[omelette77]

We're in the process of building our coop, and want to know if we should install a whirlygig on the roof. Our coop is 10 x 10, with 4 windows that will be left open most of the year. It also has narrow openings around the tops of the 4 walls where the rafters sit. These will be open all year. We currently have 14 chickens, which will probably increase to 20 or so.

Do these help that much with ventilation? We live on Cape Cod, It can be windy at times.

Thanks

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm pretty sure you are talking about one of those roof vents that spin when the wind blows and not something with a motor. If the wind is blowing, they help a whole lot with ventilation. If the wind is not blowing, they are a small hole cut in the roof. It does not take much wind to turn them, so yes they usually help a lot.

I don't know how wide those openings are at the top of your four walls but I'd guess at least 3-1/2", the width of a 2x4 and maybe wider. They will also help a whole lot, especially when the wind is blowing.

I don't think that you have to install a roof vent with those but it won't hurt. I did not, but the openings on two of my four walls are wider.

editted to add:

I don't know how much snow you get. Probably not enough to block that roof vent but I'll just mention it, mainly for benefit of people in other places that read this.

Also, most building material comes in 4' and 8' dimensions as a standard size. You can probably build a 8' x 12' for less money and with less cutting and waste than a 10' x 10'. Another advantage is that the roof span is not as long. That makes for a stronger roof and you can by the less expensive shorter beams to span it.

 

[omelette77]

bump