my new coop - do I need a window?

[CityChook]

My opinion is that all living creatures deserve sunlight. Unless you are planning on leaving their pop door open 24/7 (which I don't recommend) or else getting out to the coop at sunrise to let them out, they should have a window for natural light.

 

[huntsman]

AArgh!

Looks like it's time for a re-think!

I doubt we'll ever get weather that keeps them in the coop all day, but one never knows, right?

What I have noted are your concerns regarding ventilation, heat and smell. Pat notes that holesaw openings will not be sufficient, which is the route I have taken, and although my coop is in a very shady area, this is still Africa and summers are hot!

So, we all agree that I'll need a window. Do I have to have glass, or is a mesh covered aperture fine? Cold nights here are 32F if that helps...

Hey, thanks for all of your replies!

 

[Knowing Happiness]

Everyone makes good points. The "windows" have to let in enough light to let the hens know that it is time to wake up. They are very photo sensitive. Mine too like to squabble over who gets to sleep closest to the window. If "cold" is 32F you won't have to worry about closing them up too much. With enough hens they will create the heat they need to stay warm. My summers are nowhere near as warm as yours and it gets pretty hot and humid inside the coop if I do not have the windows open. If you want to keep it simple you can just cut holes in a couple of sides, cover them with mesh, and make a cover that you can snap on over it. If you make the holes the same size as a recycled window sash it would be pretty easy. Someone else mentioned a clear roof which would also provide light but if there is any direct sun you could end up cooking the occupants.
You want lots of:
*Light
*Chicken access
The right amount of:
*Ventilation
And no:
*Predator access
There are lots of ways to meet all of these needs.
Good luck!

 

[NattiFan]

I think it will be good for the chickens to have a window or two. I have a window on each of the four sides of mine.....3 of which open up, along with a small door that opens to their run, and their pop door....I think windows are good...just my opinion....

 

[stargazer1974]

Quote:
since 32 is considered "COLD" I would make your ventilation and windows all-in-one as hardware cloth covered windows. There is a page on here about ventilation (here is the link https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION) It is very informative and says you need at least 1 square foot of ventilation per chicken. Even in way way cold climates. I'm afraid with what you have so far, you might wake up to a lot of steamed chicken to eat!

 

[huntsman]

Great thread, thanks!

I'm certainly convinced and have cut a 15 x 15" hole from two sides of the coop which I have covered with mesh (I think you guys call this hardware cloth) and I will get some perspex to cover the one opening in really inclement weather...

Much obliged, everyone!

 

[pokeytolman]

Quote:
I just added a window to mine last weekend. I made it so i could just slide the plexiglass/lexan (is this the same as perspex?) in and out as needed. I already had one window but it just looked dark and I figured the more controllable ventilation the better. have fun!

edited because I cant spell

 

[huntsman]

Hey, pokey!

Yep, that's the same stuff so we're in the same boat.....


Got a paddle?

 

[FiveHens]

A window is the only way our coop is lit. I imagine that the chickens appreciate good outdoor lighting.