Ventilation Hole " How Many?"

We have seen many farms with Ventilation Holes, some have many, some have few and some have none. What is the purpose of the Ventilation Holes? Practically, for air movement in the farm. As we know that the Temperature and Humidity are important factors in the farm. Of course there are many more important factors that needed to be considered as well but for now let’s have some insight of Ventilation Holes.

(Inside all facing ground)


(Too few Ventilation Holes so an Exhaust Fan is needed)

The common Ventilation Holes are made with 4” PVC pipe jointed to an elbow (90dg) inside. (some use ventilation bricks) The elbow is to prevent light from reaching the nesting planks therefore most are facing the ground. Of course you have seen some farms VH, where the elbows are placed outside. I prefer the first.

(Using 6" PVC pipe)

The number of VH to be placed in a farm is very important. As too few, the temperature will rise and too many the humidity will drop. This is like a juggling game. Having the right numbers of VH and placing them at a strategic location will reduce your remedy works of having to add water sprinkler, exhaust fan, water pump, etc. I am sure some of you had seen farms that have hundreds of nests that do not use the water sprinkler, exhaust fan and mist machine. Most have some water pools in it.

(Many Ventilation Holes)

If the design of the farm and the placement of VH in term of numbers and location are right it will solve your headache of remedies works of adding the above. Movement of air is so important in a farm. This is a decisive matter of between success and failure.

( Many Ventilation Holes already "too many" why need another Exhaust fan?)

Besides that the more remedy works you add to your farm the more maintenance jobs you need to take care. VH also draw in fresh air into the farm and the smell of birds dropping being drawn out. I believe whatever comes in must goes out thus this will not create an air pressure in the farm that disliked by birds. Good farms always have good movement of air.

( Zinc structure yet no Ventilation Hole , do you think Swiftlet will build nest?)

The strategic location means how high or how low from the ceiling the VH should be located, how many should it be in a farm. (How many on the left and right side for a Stand Alone farm and how many on the front and back of a Shop lot unit).

For those who already have a farm go and try it out, increase your VH if you farm's temperature is high, I guarantee that the temperature in your farm will drop. Let’s go and do some home work!

If you are still unable to solve the problem of temperature and humidity thru manipulating the VH then your other option would be using Exhaust fan, Mist machine, Water sprinkler, etc to control the temperature and humidity like some of the pictures above.

( Anyway it can be done)