Coop windows during the winter?

[Bear4boo]

We have one large sliding window on our coop (in addition to proper ventilation up higher). I’m wondering if the window should be open or closed during the winter months (we are in the Midwest so it can get below zero).

 

[nuthatched]

Is that all the ventilation or do you have soffit/peak vents?

 

[Bear4boo]

Is that all the ventilation or do you have soffit/peak vents?

Is that all the ventilation or do you have soffit/peak vents?

No there are vents for ventilation

 

[DobieLover]

No there are vents for ventilation

Please post pictures of your coop ventilation.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Photos could help. What you don't want is a cold wind blowing in the chickens when it is that cold. If your roosts are set up so that a cold wind can't blow between that open window and your other ventilation you'll probably be OK. That's unlikely so probably best to close it for winter.

 

[Aunt Angus]

It might make a difference which way the window faces, too. I can leave my coop open year round because the door faces away from the prevailing wind and is under a covered part of the run. Leaving it open keeps everything inside nice and dry without drafts. It only gets down to single digits here in the winter, though.

 

[mowin]

You can always use furnace filters over the window to lessen the drafts but still provide airflow for ventilation.

 

[CarlaCo]

You can always use furnace filters over the window to lessen the drafts but still provide airflow for ventilation.

Love that idea.

 

[Sally PB]

You can always use furnace filters over the window to lessen the drafts but still provide airflow for ventilation.

That's what I do. I have a lot of ventilation that is just barely over roost bar height. Great in the summer, cold in the winter, especially the one to the west, which is the prevailing wind direction. Long about the middle of October, I staple filter material over that area. Still get fresh air, but it stops the wind.

I also have large openings at the north and south ends of my coop. I cover the bottom half of those with the filter material too.

 

[Rainbowdahling]

That's what I do. I have a lot of ventilation that is just barely over roost bar height. Great in the summer, cold in the winter, especially the one to the west, which is the prevailing wind direction. Long about the middle of October, I staple filter material over that area. Still get fresh air, but it stops the wind.

I also have large openings at the north and south ends of my coop. I cover the bottom half of those with the filter material too.

What sort of filter do you use?