When To Add Cover to an Open Air Coop

[alamama]

We live n the southwest and don't get very cold.
However, I was wondering when to add cover to our pretty open-aired coop? At what temps?
And will covering the sides with clear plastic be enough?
Thanks.

 

[Judy]

They appreciate some cover to get out of the rain. And in cooler weather, they appreciate a wind break. None of it is really necessary; they can survive sleeping in trees, after all, if they manage to escape predators. Personal choice. Chickens tolerate cold much better than heat so open air is a great design in many areas of the US. Of course, cover also gives you a place to keep their feed dry. Maybe some of these will give you some ideas:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/163417/please-show-me-your-hot-weather-coops/0_20

 

[alamama]

Oh, ours is covered. Most of the walls are chicken wire, though. Thanks for your input.