The Hard Lesson I Learned About Ventilation in My Coop
Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2025 6:38 am
When I first built my chicken coop, I thought keeping it as sealed as possible would make it cozy and warm for my hens, especially during the winter. I didn’t add much ventilation because I was worried about drafts making them cold. Everything seemed fine at first, but then I started noticing a strong ammonia smell inside the coop and some of my chickens developed respiratory issues.
After doing some research, I realized that proper ventilation is critical in a chicken coop, even in winter. The ammonia from their droppings can build up quickly and cause serious health problems for your flock. I ended up modifying the coop to add vents near the roof, where stale air could escape without creating drafts at their level. I also started using the deep litter method, which helps manage odors and moisture.
The lesson I learned is that fresh air is just as important as protection from the cold. Chickens can handle cooler temperatures much better than poor air quality. If your coop smells even slightly off, it’s a sign you need better airflow.
After doing some research, I realized that proper ventilation is critical in a chicken coop, even in winter. The ammonia from their droppings can build up quickly and cause serious health problems for your flock. I ended up modifying the coop to add vents near the roof, where stale air could escape without creating drafts at their level. I also started using the deep litter method, which helps manage odors and moisture.
The lesson I learned is that fresh air is just as important as protection from the cold. Chickens can handle cooler temperatures much better than poor air quality. If your coop smells even slightly off, it’s a sign you need better airflow.