Do I need to keep the windows open?

[branston]

I have a nice coop with a window on two sides. The coop also has vents just below the roof. The temp has got to the low 40s in the night now.......do I need to be closing both windows? Right now, I close just the one and leave the other one open by 4 inches.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I keep my windows wide open unless it gets below 10. Ventilation is much more important than heat.
I, nor anyone I know, has lost birds to the cold but I know lots that have lost birds to heat and respiratory problems.

If your windows are on opposite sides it could cause a draft so I would just leave the one to the east or south open.
It depends on the size of the windows. Strive for at least 1 sq. ft. of opening per bird.

 

[branston]

Thanks so much!

 

[smokinjay]

I close my windows at night, but I have great ventlation system. Now the reason I shut my window's is to check on how well its doing. (couple mods. a week) preparing for bitter cold.

 

[tracysbantams]

I agree with ChickenCanoe....Ventilation is much more important than heat.

I have a smaller chicken coop probably 8x8 and we keep the windows open until it gets real cold and freezing temps. Even then we still have their little door that they go through and the vent fan area opened. We don't have any problems with our birds.

My mom has a much larger building. Not sure how big....but it is big. She closes most of the windows and their little doors when she thinks it is to cold and what not. She has problems frequently with her birds. The ventilation is the only real difference between us. We live directly across the street from each other.

Tracy

 

[carladababe]

I left the one window open all summer for ventilation, then realized that the screen was probably not strong enough to prevent something from tearing it open and getting to the girls. So now I leave it open a 1/3 way during the night, it's a little cooler now, but by next warm season I'll replace it with stronger stuff.

 

[branston]

I nailed hard cloth (stronger than chicken wire) over my screen windows to stop anything getting in

 

[7L Farm]

Quote:
Smart man!!