Keep your chickens healthy this winter with a chicken coop cupola from Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes.
Chickens are fairly hearty creatures, but insufficient ventilation in their coop can quickly lead to serious and deadly health complications. Moisture and ammonia fumes can lead to respiratory illnesses that can devastate your flock.
Moisture
Chickens expel an astonishing amount of moisture both in their breath and their droppings. Chickens do not technically urinate; instead, the water they ingest is excreted through their droppings, making their manure 75-80% moisture. Moist air holds germs and viruses which can lead to serious respiratory ailments. Sufficient ventilation is key in preventing respiratory disease and keeping your flock healthy.
Moisture is more noticeable in the summer, with the heated odor and humid air. However, in the winter many chicken owners forget to worry about moisture because the coop feels dry when the weather is cold. However, cold air has its own problems: because cold air can’t hold moisture, the damp stays near the floor and doesn’t travel out the vents with the air. This damp air can lead to frostbite on your chickens’ combs.
Moisture is more noticeable in the summer, with the heated odor and humid air. However, in the winter many chicken owners forget to worry about moisture because the coop feels dry when the weather is cold. However, cold air has its own problems: because cold air can’t hold moisture, the damp stays near the floor and doesn’t travel out the vents with the air. This damp air can lead to frostbite on your chickens’ combs.
Ammonia
Their droppings represent an additional problem: as the manure breaks down, ammonia fumes are released. Inhaling these fumes can cause respiratory distress and damage, even at relatively low levels. If you can smell ammonia near the coop floor, there’s enough to be harmful. Good ventilation is key in removing those fumes from the coop.
Chicken Coop Cupolas Provide Year-Round Ventilation
During colder months, not only is the air inefficient at carrying out moisture, but people often make the mistake of closing off vents to keep the coop warmer. Poor coop design can make it necessary for vents and/or windows to be closed during inclement weather. Your coop must have ventilation that can stay open, even during the worst storms and below-freezing temperatures.
In can be tricky to maintain this balance, which is why most barns have cupolas on their coops: they’re perfectly designed for year-round ventilation. Louvered cupolas work to pull air up and out. This allows hot, humid air to escape during the summer and keeps air circulating in the winter.
Chicken coop cupolas are the perfect ventilation during cold weather: being set in the roof keeps drafts from affecting your chickens. Their caps and louvers also help keep rain and snow from entering your coop.
In can be tricky to maintain this balance, which is why most barns have cupolas on their coops: they’re perfectly designed for year-round ventilation. Louvered cupolas work to pull air up and out. This allows hot, humid air to escape during the summer and keeps air circulating in the winter.
Chicken coop cupolas are the perfect ventilation during cold weather: being set in the roof keeps drafts from affecting your chickens. Their caps and louvers also help keep rain and snow from entering your coop.
Maintain Proper Ventilation in Your Coop with a Cupola from Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes
Keep your chickens healthy this winter with a chicken coop cupola from Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes. They are both functional and beautiful, as well as easy to install. We also offer a variety of rooster weathervanes for a lovely, thematic touch.
If you need a cupola for your chicken coop, call us today at 866-400-1776. Our cupola experts would love to help you design the perfect cupola to keep your flock happy and healthy!
If you need a cupola for your chicken coop, call us today at 866-400-1776. Our cupola experts would love to help you design the perfect cupola to keep your flock happy and healthy!
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