Windows, Ventilation, Rain Help Please

[AmandaShivonne]

Hello,
Hubby and I spent yesterday drawing up and beginning the construction of our coop. The actual coop part itself is 3' x 4' and 4' tall for 3 hens (uninsulated). At first I planned on zero windows, only the small opening for the ramp, the back of the coop to completely open for me to retrieve eggs/clean, and small ventilation holes at the top near the roof. But now I am wondering about windows. Should I add a window on the opposite wall of the roost? It wouldn't have any glass, would just be covered in hardware cloth. It would aid in ventilation, but will it be too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer? I live in Southern California where it will get as low as 32 at night in the winter, but that doesn't last long, and as hot as 110 in the summer. It doesn't rain often, but it might rain 3-5 times a year. The roof will not extend much out to the sides to protect the window. If I were to add a window, will a window that never closes be a problem in the rain? Or should I add functioning shutters? Any help and info is appreciated, thank you

 

[iwiw60]

Living in SoCal you will need lots of ventilation! But with such a small size coop it might be difficult maybe...can you post a pic of your drawings??

 

[6of6chicks]

I cut large ventilation windows in my coop (Texas summer heat) that I covered with two layers of hardware cloth (predator paranoia). But I also cut thin plywood panels to fit the openings. In winter I'll just screw the panels back on the coop to close up the extra ventilation (and still leave vents across the top). So far it has worked out well for me - I was able to close up the large windows & finish brooding my chicks in the coop, then take the panels off when my girls had feathered out.

I actually wish I had cut more windows/vents. If you find you don't need them you can always close them up later on. It's way easier to do that than it is to try to cut new windows in a finished coop.

As far as rain, you could attach the panels with hinges to prop open from the bottom. That way they still get ventilation, but the panels will block the rain from going in the coop itself.

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Hello,
Hubby and I spent yesterday drawing up and beginning the construction of our coop. The actual coop part itself is 3' x 4' and 4' tall for 3 hens (uninsulated). At first I planned on zero windows, only the small opening for the ramp, the back of the coop to completely open for me to retrieve eggs/clean, and small ventilation holes at the top near the roof. But now I am wondering about windows. Should I add a window on the opposite wall of the roost? It wouldn't have any glass, would just be covered in hardware cloth. It would aid in ventilation, but will it be too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer? I live in Southern California where it will get as low as 32 at night in the winter, but that doesn't last long, and as hot as 110 in the summer. It doesn't rain often, but it might rain 3-5 times a year. The roof will not extend much out to the sides to protect the window. If I were to add a window, will a window that never closes be a problem in the rain? Or should I add functioning shutters? Any help and info is appreciated, thank you

I would suggest having an entire wall of the coop open and covered with wire to achieve as much ventilation as possible. Don't worry about them being too cold, they'll enjoy those low temperatures. Most of us here in the southwest have open air coops. Look at "My Coop" under my avatar to see an example of the kind of ventilation I'm talking about.

 

[iwiw60]

Also, as far as rain is concerned, are your nesting boxes on the outside of the coop? If so, plan on a BIG overhang...water can and will get in where your lid lifts up, and there's nothing worse than a wet nesting box....

 

[AmandaShivonne]

I would suggest having an entire wall of the coop open and covered with wire to achieve as much ventilation as possible. Don't worry about them being too cold, they'll enjoy those low temperatures. Most of us here in the southwest have open air coops. Look at "My Coop" under my avatar to see an example of the kind of ventilation I'm talking about.

Your coop was very helpful, thank you! The wood structure part of your coop looks very similar to what we have built which will be our coop and run for our 3 chickies. So I think I definitely need windows or will just leave off the entire board where I would put their ramp and chicken entrance.

 

[AmandaShivonne]

Also, as far as rain is concerned, are your nesting boxes on the outside of the coop? If so, plan on a BIG overhang...water can and will get in where your lid lifts up, and there's nothing worse than a wet nesting box....

Thank you, I will try to post pics after I get the kids in bed! I have planned on them having one nesting box inside the coop, not external like most people have, as wood supplies are becoming very costly for us, and our yard space is so limited. I will just access the eggs with the same door I plan on using for cleaning the coop, so there isn't much worry of it getting wet, except for rain coming in the windows, but I like the idea of having a flap I can close them if need be.

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

We got our coop windows at Lowes for $30 or $40 if you want something that closes and will let light in still. I'm in central CA. We have a raised roof that allowes about 2 inches of air flow all around, two opposite facing windows and then the large (human) coop door is fully hardware cloth. We sometimes hang a board over it if its really blustery. I have been so happy that we went with so much ventilation. I feel like we won't even have to worry this summer. Go with more then you think! Fresh air keeps them healthier and happier

 

[CrazyChickGirl]

Oh, and I am very familiar with our wind and rain patterns. The hardware cloth door is on the side that doesn't get direct rain and we have an overhang, also.