Draft question...

[KosmoKramer]

Hello everyone,
So I know when designing a coop you want to make sure the chickens are not roosting in a draft in the winter. My question is if there are roosting bars by the windows for a summer time breeze and there are other roosting bars around the corner, protected from the breeze, are the chickens smart enough to use the protected bars when it's cold out?
Will I have to remove the bars by the windows when it gets cold?
Thanks!

 

[Dmontgomery]

Mine are.

 

[biophiliac]

Hello everyone,
So I know when designing a coop you want to make sure the chickens are not roosting in a draft in the winter. My question is if there are roosting bars by the windows for a summer time breeze and there are other roosting bars around the corner, protected from the breeze, are the chickens smart enough to use the protected bars when it's cold out?
Will I have to remove the bars by the windows when it gets cold?
Thanks!

Sadly, mine were not. I had to cover the window with plastic. They really liked to be by the window...even in wisconsin winter... My coop was super well ventilated...even a tiny bit drafty but they did great. The clear plastic over windows allows natural light into the coop on days the weather keeps them in.

 

[peeper89]

can u close winfow

 

[Ridgerunner]

Maybe. maybe not. Mine tend to like roosting by the window, all other things being equal.

Opening windows in summer is great, the breeze feels good. Having them roost in a cul-de-sac type area where they are protected from breezes is good in winter. But another way to achieve plenty of ventilation in winter without breezes hitting them is to have plenty of openings above their heads. That way you can leave the window open in the summer but close it in the winter and still have good ventilation without breezes hitting them directly in winter.

The word "draft" is a little misleading. When most people think of a draft they think of an almost unnoticeable movement of air coming in around your window or door frames. That kind of air movement is not a problem in winter. It's stronger breezes hitting them directly you want to avoid.

 

[debid]

I know when I read the chicken manuals the first time, I was so confused by the dire warnings about the dangers of drafts! I read advice very similar to what was just posted by Ridgerunner and we added a big gap above the walls before the roof went on. The gap has hardware cloth over it so nothing is getting in but the air flows freely across the ceiling. And never have I had frost inside the coop or frostbite!

And, mine also prefer to roost by the windows year-round. I'd install plastic over it in winter if it's not able to be closed.

 

[Chickassan]

My girls love the window,it gets closed in the winter since they have ventilation round the top. No issues with frostbite at all, they have other spots to roost but they always get the window.

 

[KosmoKramer]

Wow thanks for all of the help!
That's kinda what I thought but just wanted to make sure.
Thanks everyone!.. Loving this site!