windows in coop

[darkmatter]

Quote:
That's how I did mine.

 

[elmo]

A good rule of thumb is to try to build at least one square foot of ventilation for each chicken that will be using the coop. In order to be able to keep those vents open even in cold weather, put them up at the top of walls, ideally on opposite walls so you can get some cross ventilation. Flaps over the vents are nice so you can adjust them on the coldest nights, too.

Oh, and about the hardware cloth covering windows: you can certainly put the hardware cloth on the inside of the window if you fasten it securely. I use screws with large heads over washers bigger than the size of the openings in my wire. The wood on the window frame will give way before those fasteners do, and I don't think the wood is going to give way any time soon because it's 2' by 4' studs!

 

[Hillsvale]

Quote:
Exactly.... I have 3 huge slider windows (which don't leak) .... hardware cloth on the outside under the trim..... if the windows leak they are installed incorrectly.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=43249

 

[Montana-Hens]

I would say put one in you will be glad you did.

 

[oldchickenlady]

I bought some old aluminum windows that came out of a trailer (I think), at least they are not a thick as regular windows out of a house. They slide up and down and have the little lock things that hold them open. Anyway, they were only $10 so I got them. I put the hardware cloth over the screens outside, then put white trim around the windows to cover the edges of the wire. I put them on the east and west walls for the most direct light (in the winter anyway), the coop sits under trees so it is shaded in the summer. the chickens get a good cross breeze through them. There is also a vent at the front of the coop where the roof is the highest for heat to vent out in the summer. So far I love my coop. I only wish I had had more wood and metal roofing to make my overhangs bigger, but I had to work with what I had. Here is what I ended up with, before I attached the run.

Here is with the run attached.

I like that I can close the windows all the way or leave them partially open.

 

[True Grit]

With the hardware cloth on the inside secured with roofing nails and washers, a bear could push it in but I couldn't. That way I can open and shut the window from the outside. My coop is 3 ft off the ground so I don't go in and out of it. Works like a charm for me. We don't have any bears around here.

 

[CityChook]

All living creatures deserve natural sunlight. Without a window, it will be extremely DARK inside the coop. A window will help with ventilation in the summertime as well. There are plenty of CHEAP or FREE windows available and if this city girl with a manicure can hang one, then anyone can do it.

BTW, I put the hardware wire on the outside on one window and the inside on another because of the different ways that they opened. I used screws/washers to secure it to the framing. Absolutely no issues with either one. It's all in the installation I think.

Good luck!

 

[rebecky1305]

Definately put in windows. I used some old crank windows that were salvaged from a truck camper. Old crank mobile home windows would work great too.

 

[stevin]

i used 2 typical double hung windows side by side on the front of my coop which faces south. the windows i picked up for free from C-List.
i placed 1/2" hardware cloth on the outside stapled to the window casing so that i can tilt the windows in when they need cleaning just like you would do in your house.

 

[spottedtail]

We also have hardware cloth on the inside.
No problems if you take the time to fasten it very securely.
Plus it looks better than having it on the outside.

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