Cold climate versus windows + first pic of my coop

[Sabz]

I found these pretty windows yesterday (ok, they need a bit of love and care but still..)




I am wondering if I should use as many windows as possible (I love it when a house - or coop - is well light) or not.

I am worried that they will let in too much cold. I think it's ok for any sunny winter days, as the sun will heat the coop, but what about stormy, windy, -30 celcius days?

They are insulated windows (I mean, two glass thick) and the rest of the coop is insulated.

Would you use them all, or just a few to let in some light but reduce the warm air lost by the windows?


Here is the start of my project Just got the OK from my city to construct it, I have my permit and all set to finish this weekend
It is 12 feet by 8 feet. It will be a mixed coop, part of it for egg layers, part for meat birds (separated from each other).

Ok it doesn't look leveled AT ALL on this pic, but it is.. hehe The picture is taken from an angle I think..

 

[Judy]

I think the windows are a great idea.

You mentioned reducing the warm air that is lost. A coop needs to vent out the warm humid air given off by the birds, particularly in cold temps, to avoid frostbite. Here are two good articles written some time ago by one of our Canadian members. I shope you will find them helpful in your coop design.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-coop-temperatures

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

 

[Sabz]

Yes I've read all those, thanks a lot

Ventilation and loosing heat is different, in my head (but again, maybe not).

My ventilation will be controlled, meaning that the openings will be very large (I read so many times that there is not enough!). But, I will have something to close them up if it is -40 and windy, for example (shouldn't be closed very long, usually it doesn't stay extra cold for long).

But loosing heat through walls or windows is like not having insulated the coop.. or not enough. I am not sure of the amount of heat loss through the windows. Also, I doubt it counts as ventilation, I don't think there is really cold "air" coming in, I think it is the cold touching the window that transfers to the inside of the coop, thus cooling the inside without the beneficial effect of ventilating.

I know so nothing about construction hahaha.

 

[Judy]

No, the windows won't provide any ventilation, unless they are open. Being insulated, they shouldn't let a huge amount of warmth transfer out through them. On the other hand, the light coming in will warm the coop during the day. You can even put someting like a bucket of water painted black in the coop where the sun hits it, to help hold heat through the night.

 

[Sabz]

Ah, great! I will use all the windows then. Anyway, I think it is healthier for the chickens to say as much daylight as possible - just for mental health

I was thinking about the buckets, it's a great idea. I read it on the articles as well. I will double (triple) check the weight my floor can handle and then see if I can fit a few buckets in there. I love the ecological factor in that idea, and I also would like to be able to not heat my coop during winter (just have the lights, insulation, chicken heat and sun heat).

Thanks a lot for your help, I am definitely starting this TONIGHT. Can't sleep, I think about my new chickens so much ahahah