Chicken Swing Set Castle Coop

[uktech]

my understanding is that there is pretty much no such thing as too much ventilation -- barring strong breezes directly on the roost in bitter cold weather.

Totally agree with you on the part about ventilation and to be honest I think I've gone overboard with it. However I have no clue of when and if there is too much light, which is what I'm referring to. I guess it's more to do with the amount of light the nest boxes get. I mean when it's dark outside, it'll be dark inside too so I guess in the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter.

Have decided to go with plexiglass on all the windows I can come up with. When it's day time, they will be out and about in the run anyway. Will try to make the nest box area as dark cosy as possible.

 

[aart]

Will try to make the nest box area as dark cosy as possible.

They don't need 'dark' in the nests, they need to feel 'safe'.
Can't have too much light...during the day...you and they will be glad of it come winter.

 

[uktech]

They don't need 'dark' in the nests, they need to feel 'safe'.

ah my bad then. I was certain I had read/heard somewhere that chickens like a darker spot to lay their eggs etc..

 

[aart]

ah my bad then. I was certain I had read/heard somewhere that chickens like a darker spot to lay their eggs etc..

It's a common misconception, passed on ad nauseam as gospel.
Think it might be a justification for curtains in the 'decorating' crowd.

 

[NatJ]

I don't think "too much light" is a thing.

For nests, if it feels secluded to the chickens (sides and maybe a top), then of course it's also more dim than the surrounding area--but I think the chickens care about the seclusion, not the lack of light.

 

[aart]

if it feels secluded to the chickens (sides and maybe a top),

Definitely sides and top...and a smaller entry(which also helps hold bedding and egg inside).
Why I like the old round entrance metal nests so much I 'copied' them.

 

[NatJ]

Unless you put big windows in the nests themselves, I don't think you'll have problem. You could probably sit those nests in the middle of a bare field in full sun and the hens would still use them

 

[rosemarythyme]

Unless you put big windows in the nests themselves, I don't think you'll have problem. You could probably sit those nests in the middle of a bare field in full sun and the hens would still use them

I put windows on my old nest box (it was a dog house and it was stuffy inside, plus I figured a view was nice) and the chickens never complained.

 

[uktech]

Definitely sides and top...and a smaller entry

Just saw your nest gallery. Wish I had seen it sooner. Wouldn't have wasted so much time trying to figure out if 10" round plates made good sized templates

 

[uktech]

Doors are on, nest box located...trying out my favorite colour before all the garden fences get the same treatment.

Debating if it needs a window along the top of the nest boxes.

The run is next.