Raising chickens in a coop built on a concrete floor presents some unique considerations when it comes to proper ventilation.
Concrete, while durable, can intensify issues with moisture, odor, and temperature regulation inside the coop.
Careful planning and design of the ventilation system is crucial to maintain a healthy environment for the flock.
This article explores key factors regarding ventilation in a chicken coop situated on a concrete floor.
Contents
Why is ventilation important in a concrete chicken coop?
- Concrete is non-porous and does not allow absorption of moisture. This can lead to dampness issues if stale air and humidity are not adequately expelled. Ventilation circulating fresh, dry air helps control moisture.
- Ammonia from chicken manure can concentrate more on concrete floors. Ventilation dilutes and carries away these harmful gases.
- Odors linger longer on impermeable concrete. Ventilation removes smelly air and brings in fresh air.
- Concrete readily conducts heat and cold, leading to temperature fluctuations inside the coop. Proper ventilation moderates internal temperatures.
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Concrete coops, being at ground level, may have less air circulation than elevated coops. Strategic ventilation placement is essential.
- Stale air, condensation, drafts and other issues exacerbated by concrete are detrimental to chicken health and egg production.
Natural vs mechanical ventilation
- Natural ventilation uses passive airflow through vents, windows, doors. Itโs quiet, effective, and cost-efficient.
- Mechanical ventilation employs fans, air exchangers, etc. Useful as backup or for large coops, but needs electricity.
- For small to medium coops on concrete, natural ventilation is often sufficient if well-designed.
Ventilation tips for concrete coops
- Adjust ventilation levels based on weather and seasons. More ventilation needed in hot climates or summer.
- Evenly distribute ventilation openings on different walls and at varying heights for crossflow.
- Place vents near the roofline to vent warm air. Have lower vents/windows to draw in cooler air.
- Avoid drafts on chickens by placing vents above roosts and away from nest boxes.
- 3-4 ft2 minimum ventilation needed per chicken during cold months.
- Maximize ventilation during hot weather by opening doors, windows, adding exhaust fans.
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Insulate and control ventilation openings in winter to reduce heat loss but avoid blocking airflow.
- Use secure hardware cloth over all openings to deter predators. Lock doors/windows for extra protection.
- Clean ventilation openings regularly to prevent blockages from debris. Check for cracks that allow drafts.
Ventilation tips for concrete floor
- Place absorbent bedding like pine shavings to help control moisture on the concrete floor.
- Avoid placing feeders/waters directly on concrete, as spills add to dampness. Use spacers or grids.
- Insulate concrete floors with thick bedding or raised platforms to prevent cold transfer in winter.
- Ensure good under-floor ventilation if coop is built on a solid concrete slab. Allow airflow under the coop using vents.
- In summer, hardware cloth laid over a section of the concrete floor helps cool the coop as air flows through the mesh.
- Box in exposed concrete surfaces on the walls to reduce heat radiation and provide insulation.
- Seal any cracks, holes or gaps in concrete with caulk/sealant to prevent drafts and moisture ingress.
Sample ventilation arrangements for a concrete coop
Here are some sample layouts showcasing good ventilation placement in a typical backyard concrete chicken coop:
4 x 8 ft concrete coop for 5-6 hens
- South facing door with screen to allow daytime air intake
- Two 16 x 24 inch wire-mesh covered windows on east and west walls for cross ventilation
- 10 x 48 inch vent strip below roofline on north wall for warm air release
- Hardware cloth lined eave gaps act as additional vents
- Deep pine shavings litter over concrete floor
8 x 12 ft concrete coop for 10-15 hens
- Human access door on south side with screen vent
- Screened window vent on southeast corner near roof
- Large eave vent on north side with adjustable curtain for cold weather control
- Exhaust fan on west wall set to thermostat control
- Hardware cloth lined inlet vents at bird and human levels on north and east walls
- Deep sand bedding over concrete floor. Plastic sheets laid in hottest months.
12 x 16 ft concrete coop for 25 hens
- Screened door providing south facing airflow
- Wire mesh covered window vents high on east and west ends
- Continuous eave venting wrapped around south and east sides
- High and low sidewall vents on north end
- Two thermostatically controlled exhaust fans near roof peak
- Heated roost areas over bedded platforms elevated above concrete floor
Conclusion
Ventilating a backyard chicken coop built on a concrete floor presents unique challenges due to concreteโs thermal and moisture properties.
Careful planning is needed to allow adequate year-round airflow through vents, windows, and doors placed at strategic locations in the coop.
Allowing fresh air intake, removing stale air, controlling humidity and preventing drafts are key to maintaining a healthy flock in a concrete-based coop.
With attention to insulation, bedding and eliminating gaps, a concrete floor can be compatible with proper ventilation.
Applying the principles discussed can help achieve an ideal environment for chickens in a coop constructed on concrete.