I finally realized my coop ventilation was all wrong after a vet visit in Springfield

For two years I had just a couple of small windows, thinking it was enough to keep drafts off the girls. The vet said my hen's respiratory issue was likely from ammonia buildup in the still winter air. Do you think more airflow is always worth the risk of a slight draft, or was my old method actually safer?

3 comments

3 Comments

parkerk561mo ago

Glad you got that vet advice, it's a total game changer. Your old method was actually the dangerous one, still air lets ammonia and dampness just sit there and hurt their lungs. You need constant fresh air exchange way more than you need to avoid every little draft. Aim for vents up high near the roof so the bad air can get out without a cold wind blowing right on the birds.

kai5641mo ago

Oh man, talk about having it backwards all this time. I was so worried about a chill I was basically marinating them in bad air. Guess the vet saved my birds from my good intentions.

grayperez9d ago

Did your vet mention how much that ammonia smell can mess with your own sinuses too?