Laying box ventilation.

[Tn treeguy]

I am an absolute beginner. My grandmother had chickens when I was a small boy, and I've always wanted to have a few hens. I have been reading as much as I can on this website and believe it to be a valuable resource. After browsing through coop designs, I settled on the Maxwell house coop.They used 1/2 in hardware cloth on the laying box doors for ventilation, and I like the idea, however, I'm in an area where varmints are going to be a constant battle. Is this a security breech? Most coop designs dont ventilate on the laying boxes.Do they want it to be dark?
Sorry for the rookie questions, probably more to come.
Thanks in advance.

 

[TallChickMagnet]

I'm somewhat new also, but I've learned a few things. I don't believe that the laying boxes need venting as long as the hen house is well vented. I do believe that they do a shaded area and privicy. I saw something on this site that I copied, curtains. I put loose fitting curtains on the box that only go half way down, and are split on each side of the indevidual boxes.

 

[chfite]

Half inch hardware cloth is pretty good protection against predators. I don't have vents in my nesting boxes, but have been propping them open during the heat of the day to allow 1 inch or so of opening for ventilation. I don't know if it matters or not, but it makes me feel better.

Chris