Winterizing Run Question help

[IowaCHKN]

Hello all. First winter with chickens. I built a 6x12 coop. 4x6 of it is henhouse the other 8x6 is open run. I'm starting to add plastic for winter. Iowa can get cold. I've seen people leaving top space open for cross ventilation. I was planning to leave 4 inches up top open on the 3 open sides. Is this too much? Feedback is appreciated. Thanks all

 

[Ted Brown]

I say no, not too much.

My coop & run are much bigger than yours - 10x16 Woods coop elevated 3-4' off the ground attached to a 12x15 roofed run. Roof is 12' high in front and close to 8' in back.

In winter I tarp the 3 sides of elevation leaving only the east side section under the stairs & stoop & the west side facing the run open. I also fully tarp the north facing back section but leave the top 2 feet of the south facing front section open above clear plastic on the lower 8 feet. The west side of the run is completely open but is protected by a roofed section of 12x24 that I use for fire wood.

Note also that a Woods coop has the southern front section fully open save for hardware cloth.

I am in my 6th year with chickens and have had deaths from predators in the first couple of years and 3 deaths that I put in the unexplained category but accept that with 30+ birds some attrition is "normal"

The designer of my coop Prince T Woods authored a book in which he argues that a fresh air coop is the healthiest environment for caged chickens. His design provides a well sheltered section in the back portion to ensure that the flock is protected from cold breezes; that combined with care to ensure that moisture inside is minimal. These two ensure a healthy and happy flock.

 

[Debbie292d]

I personally think I'd do your 4" idea on one side, seal one side, and then go bigger on the least prevalent wind side, which is usually south. That might help keep the snow out better, yet still provides a cross breeze for fresh air.

And by the way, that's a beautiful coop!