Leaving windows open at night in the coop?

[newchicksnducks]

My EE are about 9 weeks old. They have been out in our Northern Ohio coop for about a week. We have deep litter that they can snuggle into if they get cold, but they have been sleeping on their roosts for about a week now. We have 2 windows (east and south) that are open 24 hrs. They have been doing great! It's been fun to see how they put themselves "to bed" by 8:30 at night, and have been roosting without being taught. These are are first chicks (10 more in the brooder at 3 weeks and 2 days!), so hopefully by the time the young ones are out, the EE will be willing teachers! The night air seems to be fine, unless it gets unseasonably cold.

 

[Judy]

I agree, open the windows. It's not just about heat/cold but fresh air, ammonia removal, dust/dander removal, etc. And cover the chicken wire with hardware cloth. Chicken wire keeps chickens in, and that's about it.

Truth is you probably need to leave at least some of the windows open in the winter, even in your climate, for good air quality. They need cross ventilation even in cold weather, although a draft across the roost is not good.

 

[eggsited chickens]

I don't think it will/would be a problem. Mine are a few weeks behind, and i"ve had the windows open for a few weeks. It's just too hot out there, they need the fresh air!

 

[mrbstephens]

Does anyone have problems with rain getting in if the windows are open?

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

Open the windows. Helps keep things dry in the coop. As Pat says 'you can't have enough ventilation'.

Can't see your pics as I'm at work - if you have chicken wire, you should have hardware cloth very secure to keep your chicks safe in the coop.

 

[rancher hicks]

Just a note? Shouldn't you use screening? Cause of the skeeters? I used screening and then hardware clothe. It's screwed in every 4 inches or so. That should be enough right?

 

[espressola]

rancher hicks- I also put window screening and then hardware cloth on my windows/vents. We put wood strips around the perimeter and screwed those in every few inches so if your screws are affixed firmly with washers or such so they won't pull through the screen/hardware cloth, you should be fine...
Patty N. ; -)