They can be the entryway for raccoons, opossums, and even mink dreaming of a tasty chicken dinner. Some keepers have had great success with this, but when I tried it, my chickens had no interest. Yet, the light that the windows bring in helps egg production. Unless your chicken run is completely predator-proof, you should always close the coop door at night before going to bed. If the hens get used to sleeping inside the egg boxes, there is a possibility that the eggs inside will break. Chicken coops can be warmed up some in very cold weather. Fencing-Provide predator-proof fencing for your chickens; either wrapping the edges and using landscape clothes pegs to keep them in place or some other means for predator-proofing your chicken yard. Chicken Coop Windows | Shed Windows and More-One-Stop Shop DIY & Builders. If you can arrange it and put it in your design, you should add litter trays. Make Your Own Windows - Handy hen keepers can make a working window with a few bits of lumber, a piece of Plexiglas, a couple of hinges and a screen-door hook. FAQ- Do chickens need daylight to lay eggs? A fan may be necessary, particularly in warmer climates, to provide an adequate flow of fresh air.
Whether you are looking at new coops, or contemplating constructing your own for your chickens, the topic of windows will certainly come up at some point. Look to Shed Windows and More for your best selection for chicken coop windows. Free-range chickens could escape the coop during the day, if necessary. )
To prevent moisture. In addition to providing air flow, windows allow in natural sunlight which is necessary for egg laying hens. Similarly, I had chickens who would crawl on my lap when I sat outside with them, where they would burrow underneath my unzipped down winter jacket, sandwiched between the coat and my warm body. It certainly has its uses on cold wintry days when the heat of the sun's rays is wanted without the chill wintry air. Obviously, the amount and location of ventilation needed changes as weather conditions change. Do Chicken Coops Need Windows? How Many? –. So having windows for light and ventilation only is not always a good thing. Chicken coop windows can either make or break the performance, comfort, and look of a chicken coop, especially if the size is not correct. To maximize ventilation and air flow through the coop, these windows should be 180 degrees from each other (across from each other).
You don't want a cold draft wafting across your chicken roost(s) at night. This will keep predators from gaining access through any openings in the coop. One good sized window is sufficient for most backyard chicken coops unless it is very large. However, if you are keeping your birds inside for longer periods, or they are in a run that is mostly in the shade, windows are definitely more important. When we consider that vermin and disease thrive in its absence, and that remedial measures are more or less troublesome and expensive, we will work into our building schemes every possible inlet for sunlight. As you can see, there are a few things to think about when it comes to chicken coops and windows. It is also a decent insulator, so it can help regulate the temperature inside your chicken coop. Great-looking chicken coop windows can take a chicken coop from functional to a chicken coop that adds beauty to your property and backyard. But ventilation is different than a draft. Do chicken coops need windows replacement. They generate it both by breathing and from their droppings, and all that water vapor causes chicken coops to be humid.
When it comes to positioning the window in your chicken coop, there are a few things you need to take into account. A closed-off coop without windows or vents can quickly get too humid, which can lead to mold and bacteria growth and make your chickens sick. Buy chicken coop windows. For one, chickens are naturally curious creatures and love to look out of windows to watch the world go by. You should never use a cheap wooden coop like the one next to the red coop - find out why in my article, Why you should NEVER buy a chicken coop from Amazon or Walmart). At night, when the chicken door is closed, I place a fan at one of the windows to continue to provide ventilation throughout the night.
It should also be constructed out of high quality, durable materials to keep your birds safe from the elements and of any potential predators! Chickens are fantastic creatures, whether for their eggs or for their companionship. It is transparent like glass, but it is much less likely to shatter. Plus, they make it convenient for you to pick up those eggs and use them for breakfast. Do chicken coops have windows. Chicken droppings emit moisture and ammonia into the air. A few well-placed windows can benefit your chickens, but don't overdo it. My coops all have at least one large window that faces the early morning sun. Windows keep everything well ventilated which can be an overlooked trait however is extremely important. A draft is air blowing directly onto the chickens while they roost and should be avoided.
Today in this article, we will talk about windows in chicken coop and their size and the advantages of having windows. In particular, I recommend Sweeter Heaters and radiant heaters, which I have purchased from Amazon and use in all of my coops. Thankfully, it does not usually have to be investing in a new coop altogether – although that certainly is an option. I was shocked and distraught my first winter with chickens when I realized how cold they were (and I have cold-hardy breeds). Managing Coop Airflow. As mentioned above, we'd defiantly advise that if possible windows should be integrated into your chicken coop. Well-made coops enable managing airflow to welcome summer breezes yet bar frigid drafts. Not every chicken coop is going to need the following items and size will matter in how many you install in yours.
Natural light is important for the health of chickens, and light levels are integrated with many of their body functions, such as molting and egg laying. I think it is safe to have the windows not higher than eight or twelve inches below the eaves, and six inches from the sides of the building. This coop comes with easy to open sliding doors making locking up your hens for the night simple and easy, not to mention the 2 story design allows you to house more hens in a smaller space, ideal for if you want your coop to be tucked away in the corner of the garden. Make sure your chickens have plenty of shade in their run (see below for more information on how to do this). They need ventilation all year long. Nesting boxes do need to be kept in dark area of the coop, so you will need to keep them out of any direct light. The idea here is that they can keep egg production up by imitating the sun. Windows let in light which is crucial for egg production, air flow and fresh air for ventilation, and enable your birds to look outside and see what is going on. We see a difference the Pacific Northwest winters where the daylight hours only last about 8 hours each day. Open windows also help to circulate air and keep the coop from getting too stuffy.
For chickens to be happy and healthy, a chicken coop needs to have windows. Chickens have a delicate respiratory system and so it's very important that your coop has separate and well controlled ventilation to avoid respiratory diseases in your chickens. Frostbite occurs in the presence of sub-freezing temperatures and moisture. Chicken coops typically do best with windows. You may need to take extra measures to make sure your birds have ways to cool down (see the section, What should you do if you can't put your chicken coop in the shade? My issue is drafts, cause while I"love" my pretend chicks dearly I ain't spending moocho bucks on a triple glazed double hung draft proof view (I do not have that in my own bedroom). Glass plus netting plus wire screen let in a summer breeze while frustrating hungry bugs and furry predators. This material is not secure enough and won't keep out an animal intent on entering the coop. My first chicken coop was a large, non-insulated shed.
Additionally, hot coops are difficult to cool down, whereas cold coops can be warmed up. Window openings should always be completely secured with galvanized hardware cloth, with mesh openings ½ inch or smaller. Chickens are naturally cold hardy but their legs, combs, and wattles are not protected with feathers and are susceptible to frostbite. Windows are necessary in a chicken coop to provide ventilation for the chickens. If the air becomes too toxic it could be extremely harmful to the birds, something defiantly worth avoiding. Many people will say different sizes so in the end, the size will be up to you.