How important are windows?

[ECBW]

OP,

Your design is very similar to mine. Love the gable vent.

I recycled old windows. The windows are propped open with sticks and function as awnings keeping rain out of the coop. I do not have shutters on windows because I did not find it necessary, maybe because my area does not get tornado and hail storm, maybe my overhangs are out far enough.

Good point on undesirable solar heat in summer. If possible, place the coop (and run) in deciduous trees, shady in summer, sunny in winter.

 

[we3ernes]

I'm in Texas as well. Honestly, I wouldn't worry so much about window or no window as much as I would about making sure the coop can really open up, is shaded, and designed/positioned to take advantage of prevailing winds for the summer. Our winters aren't something where solar heat is necessary. Our summers are what is really hard on them. I toy with making an entire side of the coop open for the summer. Haven't quite figured out how to make it secure.


Also, if you make that shudder out of plywood and then just have the hole covered in hardware cloth, you'll be fine. The plywood would withstand hailstorms. Just make sure you can button it down so it doesn't flap in any storms.

Thank you 3chickchicks! I've been hoping to find some north Texas people who would really understand our unique climate and weather. I'm sure I'll be asking you some more questions.
The current plan is to have openings on all four sides so that I can adjust for various wind conditions. We do get a fairly constant breeze through here.

 

[3chickchicks]

Thank you 3chickchicks! I've been hoping to find some north Texas people who would really understand our unique climate and weather. I'm sure I'll be asking you some more questions.
The current plan is to have openings on all four sides so that I can adjust for various wind conditions. We do get a fairly constant breeze through here.

Our weather is a little bit crazier this year than usual, that's for sure, lol! Just get the wind off of them for the winter and they'll do fine.
I got mine through the summer with a box fan and a mister that attaches to the end of a garden hose. It makes a big difference! I only used it when it got to 95 or above and turned it off at night.

 

[we3ernes]

OP,

Your design is very similar to mine. Love the gable vent.

I recycled old windows. The windows are propped open with sticks and function as awnings keeping rain out of the coop. I do not have shutters on windows because I did not find it necessary, maybe because my area does not get tornado and hail storm, maybe my overhangs are out far enough.

Good point on undesirable solar heat in summer. If possible, place the coop (and run) in deciduous trees, shady in summer, sunny in winter.

I did think about using old windows, but am hesitant due to the solar gain and hail problems here.

I would LOVE to have deciduous trees and in fact will be planting some this winter, but our home is on an old peanut farm and doesn't have any trees. We will be planting vines and shrubs to help as well.

 

[FrozenWings]

I think you will be very happy with that design with a couple of suggestions. As you said I would change the T-11 siding for Plexi-Glass. Mount chain link in back of the hardware cloth to provide security at night should you want to leave the door\shutter open. I would place a skylight on the either the South or East side of the roof to help with sunlight in the winter months. If the coop is well ventilated, it should cool off in the evening with the outside temperature despite the sky light. Make sure your bids have a place to escape the heat outside as well during the day. Look forward to seeing it completed!

FYI... You can use 2 liter bottles filled with water and installed in the roof like stacks. The water will filter the heat but illuminate from the sun. I believe if you add a little bleach to the water it will not freeze.

-Frozen Wings

 

[4 the Birds]

Your wood storm shutters look great and are ideal to shade the sun and to have the ability to adjust the opening according to the weather. Windows are great to let natural light in the coop and especially great in northern region coops for solar heating. My girls love to sit on the roost bar areas in front of the windows and sun bathe during frigid weather. Down in your region the windows are not as important but I would still have at least one. You could buy a sheet of plexiglass and make an insert into one of those shutter boards. You can use a circular saw to cut the plexiglass to size and pre drill holes to screw it to the shutter board.