One of the most critical aspects of a chicken coop is adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of moisture and ammonia fumes. This ventilation should be above the level of the chickens’ heads when they are asleep on the roosts to prevent chills and drafts. That is why a cupola is the perfect chicken coop vent: available in a variety of sizes and styles to match any coop, a cupola provides necessary ventilation while still protecting your brood from the elements and predators.
The Importance of Chicken Coop Vents
As chicken manure breaks down it releases ammonia fumes, which are extremely corrosive and can cause eye irritation and burning of the nose, throat and respiratory tracts. Chickens have very sensitive respiratory systems, so continuous exposure to ammonia fumes can cause acute respiratory distress and even blindness. Since chickens are close to the ground - where high concentrations of ammonia are initially located - allowing the fumes to escape as quickly as possible is essential to protecting the health of your brood.
Ammonia fumes are typically lighter than air, so ventilation on the roof allows them to rise and escape. Combining a roof vent with vents under the eaves provides a cross breeze that draws the fumes out and replaces them with fresh air. During summer, however, when humidity levels are high, ammonia vapors actually become heavier than the air and can settle on the ground instead of rising. A chicken coop vent in the roof allows the moist air to escape, reducing the humidity level inside of the coop and ensuring the continued venting of ammonia fumes.
Ammonia fumes are typically lighter than air, so ventilation on the roof allows them to rise and escape. Combining a roof vent with vents under the eaves provides a cross breeze that draws the fumes out and replaces them with fresh air. During summer, however, when humidity levels are high, ammonia vapors actually become heavier than the air and can settle on the ground instead of rising. A chicken coop vent in the roof allows the moist air to escape, reducing the humidity level inside of the coop and ensuring the continued venting of ammonia fumes.
Chicken Coop Vent Ideas from Our Gallery
For this L-shaped barn the owners chose three 30” Norwood style cupolas with standing seam copper roofs to match the barn roof. The Norwood cupola has both louvers and windows, adding natural light to the interior of the barn while still providing ample ventilation.
This 110’ barn called for multiple cupolas - four to be exact. These 42” Hartford cupolas have double louvers on each side to combine style with maximum ventilation. If you’re not sure how many cupolas your coop needs, or what size, our cupola specialists can help you discover the best look for your coop.
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We have a wide variety of louver cupolas available, with a range of customization options to suit your needs. Choose from four or six sided designs, metal or copper roofs in a variety of shapes, arched trim, double louvers, and more!
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For a truly one-of-a-kind chicken coop vent, we also offer custom cupolas. Whether you want taller louvers, custom molding, or need to match an existing structure, we can design a cupola that perfectly complements your coop.
Order Your Chicken Coop Vent!
Keep your chickens healthy and happy with a chicken coop vent from Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes. Our cupolas are built by Pennsylvania craftsmen using high-quality, durable materials that are designed to last a lifetime with minimal maintenance. To see how easy it is to add one of our cupolas to your coop, call us today at 866-400-1776.
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