Ventilation

[CaroltheCarrot]

My new chook house has a small window cut into it for ventilation. Am just wondering if I should cover this up for the winter or am I just being over-protective.

[Suechooks]

2 of my huts have windows in them with sliding shutters. As they're level with the chooks heads when they're perching I close the shutters when its raining or windy. In the depth of winter I sometimes staple polythene over so they get as much daylight as possible. I always understood that ventilation is above their heads and draughts below. Mine have Onduline roofs so no lack of ventilation.

[CaroltheCarrot]

Ah, thank you,it is well above their heads so I will just leave it.
Maybe a wee net curtain

[Flummery]

Mine don't have it covered. They do need ventilation - just not a draught over their faces!

[Suechooks]

Ah, thank you,it is well above their heads so I will just leave it.
Maybe a wee net curtain

Or maybe a venetian blind!

[motherhen]

Ventilation is so important! birds in draughts will get chills, the stale air should be taken away without them sitting in a blast of cold, when people cover ventilation without understanding what they are doing, this can exacerbate mycoplasma, and other repiratory problems particularly where there is a build up of droppings and damp or mouldy/dusty straw. Also in the summer months stress can be caused by overhot poorly ventilated houses without enough air movement, it is a delicate balance.

[CaroltheCarrot]

I have never had a coop with a window in it before and that is why I asked.
The net curtain was merely a wee joke as Sue Perkins put one in hers on The Good Life.
Thank you for your advice,all information is beneficial

[Hilary B]

Ventilation is vital to many things, not just chooks. As long as the wind doesn't blow straight in, the more ventilation there is the less risk of draughts! (yes I know it sounds odd, but it is a fact, draughts happen where the cold air can get in through a small gap). Wind-break or some sort of baffle is better than actually 'closing' the window.
If the window is in just the wrong place, it helps to arrange something inside to direct the incoming air upwards.