question about coop design

[rocketdoctor]

I am building a coop based on a similiar neighbors which will be 8'X4' with plywood on 3 sides the other side will be just wire. from the floor to 10 inches high all around will be wire as well. my neighbors been doing this for over 30 years. I am placing my coop in an very exposed area of my yard not near any structures. The wall thats just wire will be facing south, so it will get sun the majority of the day.

Im concerned weather this will be too cold for the birds duing the winter time? I live in San Francisco bay area so it doesn't get too cold normally. I do have a 5'X4' Window that I was thinking of putting on the south side and keeping it open during summer and closed in winter. My neighbor thinks that this window may make it too hot for chickens during the summer and suggests I just put a plywood board over the open side during the winter.

any suggestions here?

 

[Imp]

Quote:
I think that in San Francisco you do not need to worry too much about temperature. Chickens are OK down to the teens, if not more. (Some people live in climes well into the sub zeros) You can always supplement the heat if you want. Also chickens are OK with the heat up to the low 100's usually. If you are worried about the heat with a window, you can always air out at night when they are in the coop. I'd be more worried about drafts and dampness with a 4th side being open, in winter. Having the window could help with solar heating in the winter.

Good luck

Imp

 

[rocketdoctor]

thanks Im a little worried about getting too hot with the window even though it will always be half open, I think I'll build a little overhang to provide a little shade during the noon hour.

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
Well...it may sound silly, but I actually have curtains (chicken pattern of course...lol) in my windows for just the reason you mentioned, to block the sun in summer time. They're actually more like long valances, since they only cover down to the screens. I remove them in winter. If you can find small roller blinds, that might work too.

 

[Imp]

And trees can be your friend, if you are looking for shade.

BTW-

Imp