Window dilemma--please look at this photo and advise

[eggspletive!]

Should I install this window in my coop? The henbox will be in that upper left portion of the coop, the nesting boxes at a right angle to the window and the roost opposite it. I really want a window both for the cuteness and so I can spy on the chickies, but I have a couple of concerns:

1) Will it be too cold and drafty? We routinely have overnight lows in the teens in the winter, with occasional dips below that. The other walls of the coop will have foam insulation, but this single-pane window will take up most of one whole wall. I could make a shutter for it that hinges at the top and props open with a pole, but that won't be as cute.

2) Will the light bother them? Don't they like to go someplace dark to lay their eggs?

Thanks for your help!

 

[rachiegirl]

I don't think the light will bother them. I have a window just like yours and a door that is 3/4 windows that both face the nest boxes. Mine are new to laying and have no problems using the boxes.
As long as it is closed in the winter I don't think a draft will be anything to worry about either. You could always put plastic over the window in the winter if you want.

 

[Cetawin]

Yes install it. You can put hardwire cloth inside and it will give them great airflow in the warmer months and help with ventilation in the winter. I like that little window, it will be nice in the coop.

 

[fldiver97]

Put the window in....light for the chickens and you, looks nice too. Make your nestboxes covered, you can even cover part of the front and just leave an opening for the chicken to walk in. They like a darker, more private spot for laying but the rest of the coop benefits from the natural light. If it gets cold, you can probably cover the window ith some plastic sheeting

 

[Promiselandfarm]

Here is something to think about is the window going to be on the north side of the building...is the window going to be north? Or is it going to be on the south side of the building. We tend to forget that nature helps us in many ways only if we use it correctly. If you place a window on a north side of any building it is going to let cool in. If you place it with the south you will get warmth in winter and summer but as long as you can open it in the summer for a breeze then that is different. Look up passive solar uses and maybe you can see what I mean. If they get light and warmth from it during the winter months it may help you get more eggs and help them get their dose of vitamin D through the sunlight. Also I noticed you have a totally clear roof. Depending on how hot your area gets in the summer and spring you may want to have a way to cover part of it so your chickens will not over heat. I have a greenhouse made of the same type(*at least looks very similar) that I use for chicks and hens w/chicks when I am not using for seed starting. It gets very hot in the summer and late spring but if I cover the roof it does good too hot for just chickens but just right for chicks and broodies with chicks

 

[jkdawn]

they like dark to lay their eggs

 

[journey11]

Quote:
I agree with this.

Also, I do think they prefer a little darker corner to lay in. But you could work that out other ways, like hanging burlap flaps over the entrances to your nest boxes. That's what I do.

 

[ging3rhoffman]

We put a window in ours and i just cant see it without the window now. We put galvinized rabbit wire over our window and we can close it for the winter. I think you can see the window we put in. We keep the door open all spring, summer and fall and the window being there sends a nice breeze through the coop.

 

[wildorchid053]

we love windows.hubby likes to watch to see if he can catch who lays what and they love looking out it and the nice breezes

 

[fiddleblue]

I put two windows in my 4 by 6 by 6 ft high coop, one narrow one facing to the south and one about the size of yours facing west. I decided on this after seeing many photos of henhouses that had windows, and liking them a lot more than the ones without windows. Also I liked the idea you expressed of spying on them. (I have a light switch outside the henhouse controlling a light placed inside it, so I can flick it on and off quick at night and see how they are all roosting...)