Does a coop need windows?

[plecostrum]

Do I need windows?

I have ventilation vivarium vents

 

[dsqard]

It depends on a few things. How big is the coop? How many chickens do you have? How many vents are in the coop already? We built a small chicken tractor that is basically 4' X 4' and I put two vents in the front and in the back up towards the top of the coop and a vent on either side down lower. Since the coop is only 4' tall at the highest part there is no window. I am building an 8' by 8' walk in coop now (you know that chicken math!) and I am going to put two windows in it, one on the front wall and one on a side wall and I will also add some vents. Hope this helps!

 

[elmo]

Many people put operable windows in their coops for additional ventilation down lower at roost level (for summer), and to allow natural light into the coop. If your vents are adequate (at least 1 square foot of vent per chicken is a good rule of thumb), and the vents also let in enough light, you don't have to have windows, but they are nice to have.

If your coop isn't shaded, and you live someplace that gets hot in the summer, you'll probably want more than 1 square foot of ventilation to keep the coop from getting way too hot inside.

 

[plecostrum]

The coop is 3rd x2ft floor. 6sqft 4th highest point inside. Peak roof

My vents are 6. 70mm. Holes no light. Should I do bigger vents I haven't fitted these yet see so can change mind???

Then I left a 3" x 2" triangle on rear at top for ventilation. Wasn't sure to cover it up or wire it. Doesn't let in much light

I thought they needed coop dark

Chickens are bantam so 1ft a chicken I can have upto 6 at a push. Decided on 3-4. (I do have 6. As they were free and lady wouldn't seperate partridge and 3 babies but they off in few weeks as soon as I can rehome them leaving me with 3)
My sister is sitting the chickens so I can alter my setup now



My run is approx 6th 5 ft

 

[teach1rusl]

Chickens don't NEED windows, although it's nice to have. Windows add light, which helps to extend the day inside the coop, helping with egg production. Windows help heat the coop in the winter time (if they are glass, plexiglass). Screened/wired windows help airflow during the hot months. But if you have proper ventilation, windows aren't required. Many people say that chickens prefer to lay their eggs in dimmer, more secluded areas, so most folks try to place the nest boxes in out of the way spots inside the coop (although my nest boxes sit directly across from a window and my girls have used them well from the get-go).

Your ventilation definitely sounds minimal...see if you can find a way to add more. Make sure that it is above the birds' heads when roosting so as not to result in drafts on them...

 

[wpalmisano]

I put in guillotine doors down low. In the heat I open them and turn on a small fan and it ventilates the whole coop. In the winter closing them traps the heat. I can also place a simple 1"x1" heavy gauge grate to stop intruders from getting in. Seems to work well. I believe all creatures need some light, for proper liver function and vitamins.

 

[Bearsfan]

I have a window in mine and I couldn't imagine not having it. It is nice to see what is going on in there without having to open up the door and get dive bombed.

 

[Mahonri]

I have two windows in my 8X10 coop as well as a sky light. I wish I would've put a see through window of some sort in the door also.

The sky light was a great thing for me to do.

 

[can you hear me now?]

Here is how it worked for me. My coop is 7x4x7. When I purchased my birds they have a 10x10 run. They went in the coop nightly and were already laying age. Not a single egg. At first I thought it was just stress from being put in a new place. I waited and waited, still no eggs. Finally I found out they needed the Windows to aid them with light so they knew it was still.daylight out since hey.ate in the chicken house as well. I put two Windows in the coop and the very next day I got an egg. Not long after that the rest of the birds followed suit.

 

[33yardbirds]

I have a 3x5 facing south for some solar heat in a coop that is 10x12. Summer it is open with venting full length north wall and south wall.