What type of window is best for a coop?

I am currently in the process of designing a new coop and have been pricing materials. I plan on having at least 4 windows (2 on the south side, 2 on the north side). All four sides will have venting near the roof line as well. I live in Michigan where temps can range from -30 degrees wind chill in the winter to 100 degrees and very humid in the summer. Hence, I believe that having the option of closing the windows based on wind direction is important.

My original plan was to go with sash type windows, attach them with hinges at the top, cover them with hardware cloth and prop them open from the bottom for ventilation. Similar to this:


Now I am considering some other options such as single or double hung windows, that can slide open and closed, with the screen replaced with hardware cloth. Like this:


I would use safety glass for any window option.

Or, the other option would be to do away with the window idea and just install shutters that can be closed. Although this is probably the cheapest option, I am worried this will limit the light too much if the shutters need to be closed for some reason. Similar to this:



What would you suggest and why? Thanks!

Top hinged windows that swing outside the coop for sure.
You can keep them open during most rain events.

Now during winter you still need lots of ventilation, deep eaves covered with 1/2" hardware cloth.
I am very lucky that I was able to build my coop in an existing building with clerestory roof line, so I have an eave way up high for the exhaust of humid ammonia laden air.
It also has a set of windows up there that swing inside with ropes for excellent summer exhaust.

Check out the 'My Coop' page link under my avatar.

I have both the kind that lets light in and the shutter kind. I would not go with double hung due to the rain being able to get in.

My windows can be seen here. Closed of course as it was October when I took this pic.


This shows the large windows that open like the first photo you posted. I LOVE that they can be left open and rain not blow in.



The coop was under construction in this pic but it shows the shutter type window better than the other. The nice thing about this is that I was able to use the piece I had cut out to make it. Cost was better. Drawback is that it does not let light in the coop.

We are going to get sliding windows from our Habitat for Humanity Restore. Not sure what side they are going on yet. We get our winter weather from the Northwest so thinking the east side and maybe a smaller one for the west.

I hope someone does not beat you to them. LOL...
curious what size are they....??? but they might have a large supply....
I passed up 2 real NEW small double hung ones from Habitat... actually held them for a few minutes...... wondering where I might use them.. DUH me . Been sorry since... ... That is what I miss about not living near on... as efore we moved..... But mostly get better deals on Craigs list....
thanks all

My favorite windows are the ones I got for free, after that I really like the clearance slightly damaged ones from Home Depot. They are all different, and all work fine.

I think the best bet would be to purchase barn sash windows from Menard's. $14-$28 depending on size.

If your winters aren't severe as mine are..... I'd do the ones that hook open like everyone says the rain won't get it and it also stops the direct sun . I bought single pane shed ,sliders from lumber yard and they fit between the studs

One thing to note on whatever window you choose, if there is a sill or ledge inside the coop they will sit on it and poop...

The building my coop is in already had side by side sliding windows, so I was stuck with those, and to be able to easily access them to open and close the wire mesh had to be installed on the outside, this means the birds poop on the sill on the inside... Yeah I could put more wire on the inside or rework it but it's not a huge concern for me, I just power wash it every so often...

This is why you see a lot of awning style windows on coops where the screen is on the inside and they are opened and closed from the outside... That and they also help prevent water from getting in...

We put awning windows in our coop. They are actually basement windows installed backwards and upside down. The windows can be left open even during rain storms. They were bought at Lowe's for around $40. each.

The windows are larger than they look in the photo. There is one on the north side and one on the south side of the coop. There is also ventilation near the roof that can't be seen in the photo.