Covering screened windows with plexiglass for winter?

[dupuissa]

This is my first winter with my feathered friends. My kids fort was repurposed into coop and has been working well. One feature that was awesome in the summer and early fall is 2 large screened windows that I kept open.Now that things are getting pretty chilly here in West Michigan, I have closed them. The interior is now pretty dark even with the 1/2 door open during the day.

My question: Should I cover the interior of the 2 large windows with plexiglass to allow more natural light in? I'm not keen on using artificial lights.

Thanks for any advice or thoughts!

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

We use clear, heavy plastic. We have two big wire doors, and we just put that on there for the winter.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock.
Jump right in and make yourself at home.
Sounds like a good idea.
You do still have other ventilation besides the closed windows right?

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

http://articles.extension.org/pages/69065/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production

 

[N F C]

I think using plexiglass is a fine way of providing your birds more winter light. Just be sure you'll still have enough coop ventilation so the flock stays healthy.

Thanks for joining us!

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're thrilled you've decided to join us dry, draft free with plenty of ventilation are key to success.

 

[RodNTN]

Hello there! And It is wonderful to have you here with us, best wishes!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[jvls1942]

I didn't read any of the replies.
but,, have you priced out plexiglass lately?
much less expensive to staple poly plastic over the windows and cut it away next spring. true, you can't see through it,
but plexi will get that way in a couple of seasons, too..
IMHO

 

[Pegasusi]

As a architectural and interior designer with an extensive background in construction, I am always looking for alternative solutions to problems.....here is what I am planning to do to enclose my coop:

Clear Marine Vinyl, comes in 30 and 40 gauge (select for your weather conditons)
https://www.marinevinylfabric.com/p...PW70yOakOS3BoCWr0QAvD_BwE&variant=26970937926

2" Nylon Strapping
http://www.strapworks.com/ProductDe...pj-EDfg1vHFLZLqfFqMXnR9CGO2XLE2BoCsJoQAvD_BwE

Hardware: Cloth to Wood Snaps
http://www.sailrite.com/Snap-Fastener-Cloth-to-Surface-Silver-Button-3-8-Screw-Stud

I am going to cut the vinyl to fit the frame of each panel of the hardware cloth. Take the vinyl panels to a shoe shop/cobbler (generally more cost effective than an upholsterer) and have them envelop the edges of each vinyl sheet with the nylon strapping. This will provide an inch of the nylon strapping on the front and the back and add stability to attach the closing hardware. I will have the cobbler attach the female member of the snap at each corner and pre-determined spacing on the sides, top and bottom. Once I have the finished vinyl panels, I will mark and screw the male member of the snaps to the coop/run's wood framed hardware cloth panels. For ease of installation for future years, I recommend that each vinyl panel is numbered with a corresponding number permanently marked on the coop/run panels. I would also note the top/bottom of each vinyl panel. These can be used over and over for many years and roll up for easy and space saving storage. DO NOT FOLD!