Ventilation

[SophiaLinn]

We are turning our shed into a chicken coop and I have questions about ventilation. The shed has 2 windows that we are going to put chicken wire on and cover with plexiglass that we can open and close. Do we need more ventilation than that? They both are about 2' x 2', maybe more. How do we handle ventilation in the winter? We can have pretty cold winters, should we keep the windows propped open or use a different form of ventilation?

 

[DobieLover]

We are turning our shed into a chicken coop and I have questions about ventilation. The shed has 2 windows that we are going to put chicken wire on and cover with plexiglass that we can open and close. Do we need more ventilation than that? They both are about 2' x 2', maybe more. How do we handle ventilation in the winter? We can have pretty cold winters, should we keep the windows propped open or use a different form of ventilation?

Can you please post pictures of the shed? Inside and out on all sides.
I tore the soffits off my shed, opened up large holes in the gable ends, installed windows all the way around that are top hinged, increased the overhang on the roof and installed a ridge vent. Lot of ventilation.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Photos of the shed would help, as well as more information about your climate (how cold in winter, how hot in summer) and your flock/anticipated flock (how many chickens?)

General recommended minimum is 1 sq ft per chicken in ventilation. You ideally want to place some high up in the roof area/just under roof to allow hot air to escape in summer, and moisture to escape in winter so birds can stay dry and to minimize frostbite.

Also chicken wire isn't predator proof, hardware cloth for the windows would be a better choice.

 

[aart]

Yes, please.... pics of shed, inside and out, would be most helpful here.

We can have pretty cold winters....

Welcome to BYC! @SophiaLinn
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