Ventilating Your Chicken Coop with Proper Air Flow

How to Keep Your Chicken Coop Fresh: Ventilation 101

Chickens are fun, feathery, and a little stinky. If you want a healthy, happy flock, one of the most important things you need in your chicken coop is good ventilation. That means fresh air in, stinky air out!

Why Does a Chicken Coop Need Ventilation?

Just like people, chickens need clean air to stay healthy. When chickens breathe, poop, and flap around, the air inside the coop can fill up with dust, moisture, and ammonia (that’s the strong smell from their droppings). Without fresh air, it gets stuffy and can even make you and your chickens sick.

Start with the Basics

• Windows: A few windows that open and close are a great way to let in air and sunshine. Just make sure they’re covered with strong wire so predators can’t sneak in. We recommend 1/2"x1/2" wire tight enough to keep out the sneakiest of predators.
• Vents: Small vents up high on the walls or near the roof help hot, moist air rise and escape, even when windows are closed. These are especially helpful in the winter.

Step Up with More Ventilation Power

• Fans: Adding a small fan can help move the air around on hot days. Just make sure it’s made for outdoor use and safe for animals.
• Filtered Vents: These vents help keep out dust and bugs while still letting air move through. Some even help block bad smells.
• Roof Ridge Vents: These are built into the top of the roof and let hot air escape upward. Great for bigger coops!

Ventilation Tips for Every Season

• Summer: Open windows and use fans to keep the coop cool and dry.
• Winter: Don’t close it up too tight! Chickens still need fresh air. Keep vents open, just block the wind with covers if needed.

What Happens Without Ventilation?

Bad things! Chickens can get respiratory infections, mold can grow, and the coop can smell so bad you won’t want to collect eggs. Good ventilation keeps things dry, fresh, and safe for both chickens and humans.

Whether your coop is big or small, windows, vents, and fans all help your flock stay healthy and comfy. So let the fresh air in—and keep the stink out!