Can the coop be too dark?

[downtownjb80]

My coop is a converted shed with one window, but the window is sheltered by a little awning extending from the roof. I was told that if there were too many windows it would act like a greenhouse and be too hot. Will enough light be getting in for them to see properly getting in on a night? They make it to the first roost bar but not up to the higher bars.

 

[Kevin565]

How big is the window?

 

[downtownjb80]

2ft x 2ft, but the awning comes down above it.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

You want to make sure you have adequate ventilation. Is the window in question covered in glass or some sort of mesh or hardware cloth? I don't think darkness is as much of a problem as air flow.

 

[chickenbythesea]

darkness may affect laying in the winter when there's not as much sunlight and they're indoors more (not sure where you're at so maybe yours are out all year long).

 

[amenfarm]

You want at least 5% of the coop as ventilation, and I would want windows, at least 1 set, across from each other for cross ventilation--to remove warm, moist air in the winter and allow a cross breeze in the summer.

 

[downtownjb80]

I have plenty of ventilation holes already built in, the window is made of plastic but in the shadow of the awning therefore less light getting through.

 

[amenfarm]

Humm, if you don't want another window and your venitlation is correct, how about raising the awning by a few inches Or shorting it? or adding an outdoor light. If the chickens are getting enough sunlight (kills pathogens and makes vitumin D, 30 Mins.to 1 hour), and the coop receives enough sunlight (kills pathogens) your golden.

 

[downtownjb80]

I was looking at adding a solar powered light, but the website advertises that the lights stay on for hours when they are charged. Would a light on all night be a problem for them? I presume the light will not be that bright being solar powered.