Why put clear windows in the coop?

[chuckzoo]

I am looking at all these different coops with clear windows in them and wondering what the purpose is? Do I need windows? We're in Alabama and they will only use the coop for sleeping and laying, (I still have to add the nest boxes). My coops door remains open so they can go to bed and get up when they chose and I believe I have sufficient ventilation covered by hardware cloth. Here's my setup;

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=28681

Should I add some windows?
I'm rather confused right now.

 

[Tala]

Mine doesn't have windows, but it does have 2 gable vents like yours. It seems plenty light in there during the daytime. I think mainly they just need enough light to lay eggs reliably which they should get outside, and in the winter you can add a light bulb if you really need to.

 

[luvmychicknkids]

I have three windows because without the windows I couldn't have made those adorable little green with cherries curtains they have in the coop.

Otherwise I am thinking it may not be necessary.

 

[jnjross]

i'd say yes, not for light so much as air. i say because of that tall fence may cut down air flow through the coop, put a thermometer in there and watch it as we get into summer and have a game plan if a window is needs, a key west style (hinged at the top) would work nice on it and it still keeps the rain out.

i have two large windowa and i leave the door to the run open and a screen door on the front,,, and it still gets HOT! i had to add 2 fans last year.

 

[Imp]

I don't have windows either, but I am looking for a stained glass window to install.

Imp- I do have a light in the coop

 

[coffeelady3]

One good thing about windows is that during the winter egg production tends to go down due to the shorter days. (Less light = less eggs) With windows you get to take advantage of the early morning sun which comes in handy if you don't like, or have, to get up before dawn.

 

[patandchickens]

I do not think you need a clear window. (Your gable end vents, which btw are cute

), should give quite sufficent light).

However I would not be surprised if come July you aer out there cutting some new vent areas into the coop because it seems likely to be rather hot in there. If you do end up doing that, I'd suggest simply an opening covered by hardwarecloth, preferably on the side(s) you don't usually get weather from, and save the siding you cut out so you can make a hook and eye (or similar) system to put it back in place temporarily if a bad storm or January cold snap are coming.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[jenjscott]

I just use hareware cloth covered windows too. If it got any colder here, I would want some glass windows for in the winter time. My roosts are not in line with the window, so they don't get the wind blowing in on them.

 

[chuckzoo]

Thanks!
I am also afraid it may get hot in the coop in summer so the front and back plywood panels just under the gable can be screwed of and replaced with framed hardware cloth.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=28681

I just don't want to open it up so much that the rain gets in although summers tend to be dryer here in Alabama.

My girls don't spend that much time in the coop - only at night. Although they went in there when I was yelling at the squirrel to get off my birdfeeder, so hopefully they recognise it as a safe place!

 

[ChickieNikki]

I have windows for light, ventilation, and the chicken door is a window (we're still building, but I'll post pics when it's done, which may be 2 weeks)...I have a 5'x3' south facing window for light only (I'm not planning on letting the girls out until 9am or so), I have a 2'x15" side-sliding window for ventilation next to the people door, and their "pop-door" is actually a standard size single-hung window.