Should I put windows across from the nesting boxes?

[henvy]

I'm building a 4x8 coop with external (bumped out) next boxes on one of the long sides and clean out doors on the opposite long side. I'd like to put windows into the clean out doors for ventilation and aesthetics, but I'm wondering if too much light will shine in from the windows onto the nesting boxes. Thoughts?

Also, I'm thinking of putting roosts on the same side as the nesting boxes with a poop deck underneath - the next boxes are external and the poop deck (dropping board) would span the entire space below the roosts, so theoretically the next boxes will be sheltered from the poop. Basically, I'm trying to decide whether to put roosts on the clean out door side or the next box side.

I welcome all opinions, ideas, and advice.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Leigti]

I built a 4 x 8 raised coop with windows all along one long side and one window on the end above the nesting box. Then I painted the inside of the coop white and the inside of the nesting boxes green.
I don't think the birds would feel as secure if they are looking straight out into windows from the nesting box.

 

[henvy]

Thanks! I think they'll be ok. I've designed it now so the windows will be pretty high and the nest boxes are low (about 4-6 inches from the floor and the poop deck will be above the opening (almost like an awning.

Thanks so much!

 

[Ridgerunner]

From what you describe you should be OK. Which direction will the windows face? Is there a tree or something to block direct sunlight? It may not be as bright as you think. When you make your hen’s entrance for the nests don’t make them huge. I don’t know how big your nests are but I’d suggest an opening no Larger than 8” x 8”. I’ve had full sized hens use a nest with an opening only 6” high but that’s a bit tight. A smaller opening will help keep the inside darker, especially if it is offset to one side instead of in the dead center.

Your droppings board may provide some shade, but probably not. I built a brooder in my coop directly under the main roosts. The top of the brooder is my droppings board. I put up a juvenile roosts, lower than my main roosts and horizontally separated to give juveniles a safe place to roost that is not my nests. That really helps with integration. That juvenile roost is directly over my nests. The top of the nests are the droppings board for that roost.