Too much ventilation? Suggestions

[Kidwantschickens]

Ok so I have many windows in this coop. The wind flows from the west which it's this side of the coop (yes I probably should have faced it the other way)

There are matching windows on the back side to the two larger square ones on the front. The are only about 2 foot up so any roost I put in there would have the wind hitting the chickens.

I also have a window above the ramp/door, and a window in the opposite side.



So I was originally planning to cover the windows in the winter, now I'm wondering if I should cover all west facing windows with plexiglass to block wind but keep light?

The top has ventilation that's covered with hardware cloth that I think will be enough in winter but I'm worried that the windows are too much for nighttime even during the summer. We get a ton of wind year round and in summer we get cooler nights but super hot days and have no shade. Chickens can get under coop and I don't expect them to sit in coop during day, I've never had chickens that weren't free range so I don't know how these will use the coop.

Any advice (we do want this to look like a playhouse to keep the neighbors happy)

 

[3KillerBs]

Short of failing to provide shelter, there is no such thing as too much ventilation. However, what you've got is ventilation in the wrong place -- down at roost level instead of at the very top of the coop.

This is what you want your airflow to look like:

The air needs to move freely up at the top but not have any breezes strong enough to ruffle the birds' feathers down at roost level.

So if you move your windows right up under the roofline you should be fine.

 

[RojoMarz]

If moving windows is not an option, some people put furnace filter/pad in the window to block the wind, but still allow for airflow.

 

[mowin]

I'd hinge your gable end. Here's what I did. First pic is during the building process. 2nd pic you can see the the opening just about the window.

 

[Kidwantschickens]

I think I'm going to opt for Plexi glass over the windows. There is still a ton of ventilation.

 

[Kidwantschickens]

For now, because they MUST get out of my garage, I covered the windows with press board but will get plexiglass from my dad who has a spare sheet. I think it will help keep it warmer in the winter due to sunlight and can be removed, if needed, in summer.