Building windows, or is it okay to be dark?

[CoopCrazy]

I will try to get some get some close up pics of mine. I used 1x1 cut them to size of the window. I would cut your plexi about a half inch short all around so you don't have to drill thru your plexi. I dont care how careful i was i still broke mine. I made a sandwich with mine 1 1x1 then plexi then another 1x1 screw straight thru. just make sure you don't screw thru plexi as it will snap. They are a lil chunky but actually kinda cute.

Sorry not real good at giving directions. You can see some pics of mine at my byc page. I did mine quickly and with no help so they are kinda sloppy.

 

[CoopCrazy]

As far as watyer proof paint well and u can use a watersealer inbetween the wood pieces,.

 

[daisychick]

we also used plexiglass to make 2 big windows in our coop. Just put wood frame on each side of the window to hold the piece in and then we used clear window caulking and sealed them in. They won't budge now and are totally weather tight. I think it cost me $14 to make 2 big windows.

And about grass, yeah chickens will have it gone it about 3 days. They turned pasture grass into dirt in a week at my house. My horse can't even do that.

 

[JHitchcock]

how big is the window supposed to be?

 

[chickenchatting]

Would you tell me how to build a small plexiglass window - I would appreciate it. Basic instructions are fine. I can make the frame - do I use a router to keep the glass in place? I am after something simple. Many thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Hokum Coco]

A router would work well.

Personally I cut a piece of 1/2 inch plywood into a frame.
The opening was 1/2 inch smaller than the Plexiglass.
I then traced the perimeter of the glass onto the plywood leaving a 1/4 inch border around the perimeter.
I then took half of the laminates out of the plywood border with a wood chisel.

This left a 1/4 lip around the perimeter 1/4 inch thick.
I put a thin coat of clear silicon in the lip and installed the Plexiglass and put another coat of silicon on the back side of the plywood and Plexiglass.
I then put hinges on my frame so I could open them for ventilation. You can see the final product cut out of these plywood doors.

 

[missnu01]

I am trying to keep the costs down. After looking at pallets available locally, they are not in good enough condition to build a lasting coop. I am going to have to build from new wood unless I find used wood around here that's worth getting. Anyway, so now I can't pay $300 for windows. I've raided craigslist for 4 months, but have yet to find any. Mom is unwilling to travel to Raliegh that has windows out of the wazoo. Anyway, does anyone have detailed plans and pictures of how to make windows. I want to have windows that are 1' high and 3' long. I know it is weird dimensions, but it would be ideal for my coop.


Also, as a side note-
I am wanting to know what plants I can put around the run and coop. I was wanting short shrubs or vines that grow quickly. The coop will be in sun from 7 o clock to 4 o clock, so they need to be light hardy. I know the chicks will eat them, that's okay. The coop set up is a LITTLE weird. There are two runs, one coop. This is just to use space to my advantage. The coop is 8 feet wide and deep. The runs will be 10 feet wide and 8 feet deep (5 feet high) One run on each side of the coop. I figured 2 rose bushes on each side, evenly spaced. Also some azaleas in between the roses. Possibly some impatiens to break it up a little. I would like a potted coleus by the front step.

You don't necessarily need glass in all the windows...You can just cut the space for the window and cover the hole in hardware cloth and then attach with hinges a piece of wood so you can close the windows if the weather is bad. Our coop has one window that isn't a window anymore. The building was already here, we just made it a coop, and one of the windows was broken. I know that chickens need ventilation even in winter, so I just covered the hole in hardware cloth and my chickens all made it through winter with no window...One night I felt bad for them and covered the window with a blanket, and that very night my rooster got a terrible case of frostbite from the condensation collected in the coop more from the cold. I never covered the window again and everyone has done great...Chickens dont' need glass windows...they just need an air hole...
So frame in the windows, and then just make a covering for them in the event that you must batten down the hatches. Lol.

 

[chickenchatting]

Thank you so much for your advice. It is very helpful!