winter ventilation

[zenstarling]

first winter with chickens, located in the litchfield hills of Connecticut.

all through the design phase of the coop build we took all the great advice about ventilation from BYC and designed the coop to accommodate the extra vent requirements for deep litter, and enough sq ft ventilation for at least 7 birds in a 4x8, with ventilation far above their heads while on the roost bar.

all summer, even on high humidity, high heat days, the coop never heated above the outside temp, and never smelled… even with deep litter method ongoing. summer ventilation is good!

I understand they need quite a lot of 24/7 ventilation above their heads all through winter as well. I always assumed what we had would just stay open all year. at the same time, I’ve seen photos of local coops that seem REALLY closed off for winter, and wondering what I actually need to do, if anything.

we get winter here — snow, ice, sleet, nor’easters, winds, etc, but I wouldn’t say it’s EXTREME winter, compared to northern new england or the upper midwest, in terms of the polar temp drops and extreme windchill those folks get. I’d say temps below 10F are rarities and fleeting if at all. I have no qualms about them being cold, I am just wondering about wind.

would you recommend any of the coop ventilation be closed for winter? I will note that the plexiglass window is just for light and doesn’t open.

I am currently trying to figure out how I want to winterize the run, which will get plastic sheeting of some sort. the coop is fully inside the run. right now I’m wondering about the coop vents for winter weather.

thank you!

 

[black_cat]

I also live in CT and have never had to close off any ventilation. Unless you are getting heavy, sideways snow that is blowing into the coop, you shouldn't need to close it off. Ventilation is SUPER important in the winter to ensure that moisture does not get trapped, which can cause frostbite. Dry chickens are warm chickens. Wind should not be an issue as the ventilation is above their heads.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

I also live in CT and have never had to close off any ventilation. Unless you are getting heavy, sideways snow that is blowing into the coop, you shouldn't need to close it off. Ventilation is SUPER important in the winter to ensure that moisture does not get trapped, which can cause frostbite. Dry chickens are warm chickens. Wind should not be an issue as the ventilation is above their heads.

X2

If rain/snow can't get into the coop (creating unwanted moisture), I would leave all the ventilation open. Air FLOW is still important in the winter, so as long as any winds aren't blowing the chickens' feathers around while they're roosting, they should be able to retain their warmth.

 

[zenstarling]

I also live in CT and have never had to close off any ventilation. Unless you are getting heavy, sideways snow that is blowing into the coop, you shouldn't need to close it off. Ventilation is SUPER important in the winter to ensure that moisture does not get trapped, which can cause frostbite. Dry chickens are warm chickens. Wind should not be an issue as the ventilation is above their heads.

these are my thoughts too, and those sideways snow days are only occasional. thank you!

 

[zenstarling]

X2

If rain/snow can't get into the coop (creating unwanted moisture), I would leave all the ventilation open. Air FLOW is still important in the winter, so as long as any winds aren't blowing the chickens' feathers around while they're roosting, they should be able to retain their warmth.

perfect, that’s what I was thinking too. thanks!

 

[black_cat]

X2

If rain/snow can't get into the coop (creating unwanted moisture), I would leave all the ventilation open. Air FLOW is still important in the winter, so as long as any winds aren't blowing the chickens' feathers around while they're roosting, they should be able to retain their warmth.

This!^^^
You said that way better and more coherently then I did

 

[ChickyCh00k]

This!^^^
You said that way better and more coherently then I did

You said it plenty coherently! I just reiterated for emphasis.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I would leave it as-is unless you have heavy winds that would blow the elements in.

 

[zenstarling]

I would leave it as-is unless you have heavy winds that would blow the elements in.

awesome. I’m thinking it would have to be a storm by storm basis, if we get one of those blowing snow types, I could partially block something in one section and then remove it immediately when it’s over. thanks for your thoughts!

 

[3KillerBs]

I always assumed what we had would just stay open all year. at the same time, I’ve seen photos of local coops that seem REALLY closed off for winter, and wondering what I actually need to do, if anything.

would you recommend any of the coop ventilation be closed for winter? I will note that the plexiglass window is just for light and doesn’t open.

All that gorgeous upper ventilation can stay open as long as those beautiful roof overhangs are keeping the weather out.

Even then, adding top-hinged covers that can be used to shield the vents without closing them would be better than closing them.