[Patico]

Hi,  I have purchased a chicken house which has a side "window" covered with wire grill (no glass). 17 inches in width and depth.  While I know ventillation is important I feel this is too much so intend to cover part of it. Can anyone tell me  how much ventillation is required  esp. in winter ?
The house is about 40 inch. x 36 inch. plus a nestbox.

Also, the ramp to the entrance hole is covered with roofing felt. I read somewhere this felt attracts Red mite.  If this is so is it better to strip the felt off ?
(As you will see my knowledge regarding hen houses is  nearly nill !!)

Thanks.

[kitkat]

Hi , cant help with the ventilation thingy, OH does my houses for me.
    Regarding roof felt, i think its a personal decision, some people think it encourages RM and others say no. I have it on mine and i have never had a problem, but if you did get the little critters the felt would have to come off as thats where they'd be hiding.
    Someone will be along to help you with the other, good luck

[Roughlee Handled]

Roofing felt on the roof on coop is supposed to be a great place for mites to live.  But I think it is a old wives tale. 

I would remove the felt from the ramp, there is not need for it.
You do not want it draughty.  Air movement above the chickens heads is a good idea. I am going to put a 3/4 glass back in the shed window over the coming week.

[taximan]

my coop sounds same as yours of auction site. i left inch and half gap at top of mesh and drilled three hols at top on all sides.the chooks told me they like it better my way.

[Fredjones]

They say the first sign of madness is talking to your chooks, the second sign is listening to them

[hillbilly]

They say the first sign of madness is talking to your chooks, the second sign is listening to them

OMG I've joined the hatters and I've only had them 6 days 

[littlewitch]

HB just think what fun you're in for!!  Welcome to the mad house!   

We're a friendly bunch really - honest!!  :happy:

[Rubellite]

Hi , cant help with the ventilation thingy, OH does my houses for me.
    Regarding roof felt, i think its a personal decision, some people think it encourages RM and others say no. I have it on mine and i have never had a problem, but if you did get the little critters the felt would have to come off as thats where they'd be hiding.
    Someone will be along to help you with the other, good luck

Agree with KK about the felt. I have felt on 3 sheds and haven't had a RM problem. When I clean I make sure I spray well around the ceiling in the cracks and puff plenty of Diatom into the cracks. I also have a smaller house with a slatted wooden roof which leaks in the bad weather and seems to have just as many cracks and crevices for mites to hide. Good husbandry is more often the key and try not to overcrowd the house

[Patico]

Hi,   What a smashing group of folks you poultry people are !!!

Thanks for all your comments and advice.

If anyone has ANY advice or tips at all about keeping chickens I would be delighted to hear.
I know very little but always willing to learn !

[scrappydoo]

They say the first sign of madness is talking to your chooks, the second sign is listening to them

1) Talking to the chooks is gud
2) Listening to them yeah thats fine 
3) Its when you do as they tell you you may have a problem.........

Now how do I get out of this nest box........?

Best Regards

Steve

[too many girls]

i talk to my chickens and i answer for them

[alisonwo]

It's a great site I prefer this one to facebook  :blink: :blink:

[Beano]

So do I. Only it's easier to post photos on facebook. All my chicken photos are on there.

[woodenart]

We don't use roofing felt, red mite under felt is definately not an old wives tale. You can seal the edges of felt down with mastic to stop access.

Mark

[IMOmimey]

If the felt has been applied properly ie STUCK down, either with tar or glue, with the edges sealed, there should be no problem,  but if not, it makes a perfect site for RM.. which I'm afraid I learnt the hard way. I have now removed the felt, and put a sheet of onduline roofing over to replace it. Only £12 for a huge sheet, big enough for several coops.