If you've been browsing chicken coop designs, you may have noticed some have windows, and some do not.
So, it raises the question, "should a chicken coop have a window?"
In my opinion, there is no question that a coop should have at least one window as it's beneficial to the health of your chickens.
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Should a Chicken Coop Have a Window?
There are a few reasons why chicken coops should have windows.
For one, chickens are naturally curious creatures and love to look out of windows to watch the world go by.
Boredom can easily become a serious problem for chickens, so a window in the coop will give them something to do and help relieve boredom.
Boredom can lead to pecking and feather picking, raise stress levels, and other destructive behaviors. So, it's important to keep your chickens entertained.
In addition to providing entertainment, a window in the coop will also let in much-needed sunlight.
Sunlight is important for chickens as it helps them absorb vitamin D, which is essential for their health.
Light is also what triggers a response within hens to start producing an egg.
I'm sure you'll be letting your hens out to enjoy the daylight, but it's certainly a bonus if you can allow that early morning sun to shine into their coop.
How Many Windows Do You Need in a Chicken Coop?
As a general rule of thumb, you should have one window for every four chickens.
Of course, this number can vary depending on the size of your coop and the amount of ventilation it has, as well as the size of the windows.
If your coop is on the smaller side, you may want to consider having one larger window.
On the other hand, if your coop is larger and has good ventilation, you may be able to get away with fewer windows.
I prefer having a larger number of windows as it gives more hens space to look outside without jostling for space.
Should I Close the Windows in My Chicken Coop?
To open, or not to open, that is the question...
Well, actually, it's not that complicated.
You should close the windows in your chicken coop at night to keep your chickens safe from predators.
But during the day, you can open them up to let in fresh air and sunlight.
It's also a good idea to close the windows when it's extremely hot or cold outside.
Just think about what's comfortable for your chickens and take into account that chickens have sensitive respiratory systems.
Chickens poop a lot overnight, so you're going to need to keep on top of cleaning out their coop and providing adequate ventilation.
Where Is the Best Position for a Window in a Coop?
When it comes to positioning the window in your chicken coop, there are a few things you need to take into account.
First, you'll want to make sure the window is high enough that predators can't look in and stress your chickens by hitting on the window.
Second, you'll want to position the window so that it gets direct sunlight for part of the day.
You'll also want to make sure the window is not in a position where it will get drafty.
All in all, the best position for a chicken coop window is high on one side of the coop and looking over the nesting boxes.
This will give your chickens plenty of light and allow them to enjoy watching the world go by.
Do Chickens Need Light in Their Coop?
Chickens need around 14-16 hours of light every day to maintain good health and lay eggs to their full potential.
Obviously, this isn't always possible during the winter months in some parts of the country.
The best you can do is have good windows in your coop and allow as much natural light in as possible.
Chickens do not need light overnight, and having predators peeking in is the last thing you want.
For this reason, a lot of coop windows have shutters or a panel that slides across to block out any distractions.
How Big Should a Chicken Coop Be?
As a general rule, you should allow around four square feet per chicken.
So, if you have eight chickens, your coop should be around 32 square feet.
Of course, this number will go up or down depending on the size of your chickens and how much space they need to roam during the day.
If you have a smaller backyard, you may need to get a bit creative with your chicken coop design.
There are plenty of plans for smaller coops that you can find online.
Just remember, the most important thing is that your chickens have enough space to move around and stretch their wings.
The more space chickens have inside their coop, the less likely it is that they'll fight or disease will break out.
I know how addictive it is to raise chickens, there are so many interesting breeds and reasons to get more chickens.
But please, think about space first. You're much better off having fewer chickens that are happier and healthier than you are a huge flock packed into a coop that's too small!
In Summary
As you can see, there are a few things to think about when it comes to chicken coops and windows.
The most important thing is that your chickens have enough space to move around and be comfortable.
If you can provide them with a good view of the outside world and let more natural light into their coop, that's a bonus!
