How many window(s) for the coop?

[gtaus]

I am building a 6X12 coop, gambrel roof shed style, and currently have one 24"X36" sliding window on one wall. I have vents up high in the front and back of the gambrel roof. I am wondering if I need more than one window for natural light for the chickens. I will also have electricity for a light for me at night, if needed, or for extending daylight hours in the winter for the chickens.

My concerns are providing only enough natural light for chickens that they require, because my main concern here in northern Minnesota is keeping the coop draft free in the winter. Any comments welcomed. Thanks.

 

[sharondoright]

View attachment 1812537 I am in SW idaho, nothing like MN, but I put windows with flaps to cover them in cold winter, and just open up during afternoon / warmth of day to air it out. Will your chickens not have access to an "uncovered" area for sunlight? If possible, I would suggest that, and give them as much choice between shelter and open air space as possible.

 

[Henriettamom919]

We did a window with hinged screen and hinged storm door covers on each side plus one slider window on the front for a total of three.

If you've got the materials to add an extra window I think the more natural light, the better but from what you've described you could easily get away without another.

 

[gtaus]

...Will your chickens not have access to an "uncovered" area for sunlight? If possible, I would suggest that, and give them as much choice between shelter and open air space as possible.

I will provide the chickens a fenced in pasture area with bird netting for protection from eagles and hawks (I live on a lake). There will be about 4 months of snow which I am told the chickens mainly just live in the coop.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Amazon sells these bird nets that are great 50 x 50
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQB1C2X/?tag=backy-20
keeps mine safe from air attacks .. just make sure there is ventilation

 

[sharondoright]

I will provide the chickens a fenced in pasture area with bird netting for protection from eagles and hawks (I live on a lake). There will be about 4 months of snow which I am told the chickens mainly just live in the coop.

We get a fair amount of snow, and my chickens couldn't care less. They rarely take shelter - mostly prefer to be out and about. We did bird netting just to keep our teenage chickens from jumping out of our 6' fence. lol.

 

[gtaus]

...If you've got the materials to add an extra window I think the more natural light, the better but from what you've described you could easily get away without another.

Thanks. Aesthetically, I think one window looks unbalanced, but I don't think the chickens care too much for looks. So I am mainly concerned about function.

 

[gtaus]

We get a fair amount of snow, and my chickens couldn't care less. They rarely take shelter - mostly prefer to be out and about...

Interesting. This is my first year with laying hens, so I have yet to winter over the birds. I have been told by locals that I can expect the chickens to basically live in the coop for most of the winter when the snow piles up.

 

[Henriettamom919]

Thanks. Aesthetically, I think one window looks unbalanced, but I don't think the chickens care too much for looks. So I am mainly concerned about function.

I do like the effect of surrounding natural light and my birds roost like clockwork, plus it provides a really nice breeze when they're all open. You could always just do a framed screen with covers for bad weather.

 

[gtaus]

Amazon sells these bird nets that are great 50 x 50
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQB1C2X/?tag=backy-20
keeps mine safe from air attacks .. just make sure there is ventilation

I am familiar with the Amazon bird nets, and they are a good price. I am thinking of getting bird netting locally at our Fleet store, it's a bit smaller, but about as big as I think I will want for the pasture.