Window, or No Window?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ehirning 

So, I'm rebuilding my coop. Chicken math has more than doubled my flock and now I/they need more room. I was considering putting in a plexiglass window to let natural light in and so i can peek in & check on the gals. I was talking to a friend the other night and they mentioned that it's best to keep the coop dark. They said that their chickens prefer it dark for egg laying.

 

My nesting box will be dark, but i thought some natural light would be a good thing too. They spend most of their time in the run, but i like to look in and do a head count and make sure everyone is ok.

 

Any thoughts?

I like windows so I can look in as well. WIndows open for good ventilation. The girls have no problem with light in their nest boxes. 

Silkie coop. Found 14" x 21" playhouse/shed online..they were running a sale.

LF Girls coop.. Has 3 windows for good ventilation. The two side ones are the frosted bathroom windows and the front one is 24" x 36". All on clearance at Lowes.  

As long as the nesting boxes are kind of dark, my birds love being able to look out a window from inside the coop.

I agree a window is very nice.  Birds by nature are light loving creatures, no reason why the entire coop has to be a dark, dreary place.  As long as they have a cozy nest box to go lay their eggs in they are fine.  My coop gets tons of natural light and my birds love it.  Especially when the weather is bad and they hang out in there during the day. 

I agree, especially if they are ever going to have to be locked in.  Aside from the chickens seeming to like it better, its a lot more pleasant to work in a well lit coop than a dungeon.  Try craigslist, auctions, or a habitat for humanity store for cheap windows.

Chickens can't see very well in the dark. They do like their nestboxes dark, but they shouldn't need a torch to find them. I have much better egg production just by having windows in. (Plus, I can have a lie-in at weekends)

 I use a metal shed as a coop and cut out 4 holes.Covered each with some plexi glass and duct tape.I think having a wee bit of light is far better than none.When they did lay the less light meant less eggs. I would say put in atleast one window.

I use a BOODAH cat litter box as a nest box.It has a dome on it.Perfect for a nest box.Lol, I have had 3 hens fighting inside it for a spot.It beat out the wicker laundry hamper I used before.Got the littler box at goodwill for $3.Full price new is to much,but it IS a good box.

http://reviews.petco.com/3554/9965/booda-booda-dome-covered-litter-box-in-titanium-reviews/reviews.htm

I like a window too.  I can look out my window from the house and see into my coop.  The girls love the window I put in for them.  They hang out in there a lot, looking out on dreary snowy days like today.  It also faces south so the sun can warm them up in there during the winter.

One thing about plexi......It will scratch up easily from washing and eventually, you won't be able to see through it very well.  I use glass.  You can get it cut to size at Home Depot or Lowes if you need to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ehirning 

Well, I guess that settles it. I'm moving forward with my window plans. Thanks everyone. Chris, I love your coops!

Thank you...make sure to post your coop with it's new windows.