[Phil W]

:?: Hi All.

Just a quick question. I'm in the process of building a chicken house on my allotment. Its going to be about 7' x 5' with a window in the front. I was going to build it with the window facing away from the sun thinking it might keep the temperature down in summer. Then this morning while at the lotty I realised that  what was going to be the window side still had snow on the ground in the shade whereas the sunny side was completely defrosted So far I have the base in place about 14 inches of the ground and the side frames screwed together but not attached so its not too late yet to change the aspect. Should I have the window towards the sun and provide shading and more ventilation in summer or have it facing away but then not benefit from any sun on days as cold as today? Also, with the amount of space under the house will it be alright left for the chucks to be able to go under when they want or am I likely to get problems, i.e naughty girls that dont want to go to bed at night and hiding?

[karlooben]

for the window i am not sure , i just built a new house for my girls  on my plot and i had to place it to the furthest side of the run as i have someone new behind me and god is she a moaner about my  run an house blocking out her light { it does not by any means } how can wire mesh block out sun light   . but i placed it rite on the ground as i have enough probs with the girls hiding under the apple tree thats pretty low to the ground let alone with them hiding under the shed as well. some ppl  say its good to higher it of the ground as u can check underneath it for rats etc burrowing .

[treacleminer]

Why's a henhouse got a window anyway? - if its light they come out if its dark they go to bed - or lay an egg
so really ventilation more important than light inside I think

[Phil W]

Hi Karlooben.

I'm thinking possibly having to put wire around the base of the house. As for neighbours, they are not a problem. We've only just been allowed to have hens and rabbits on our site after I sent the lady thats in charge of allotments at our council a copy of the 1950 act that says you can have them on any allotment site unless there is a by-law against it. Both of my neighbours are thinking of having a few hens themselves. One of them has kept Wellsummers in the past and would like to have them again. As for blocking light out, I dont think I'll even cast a shadow over anyones garden due to the position of our gardens in relation to the sun. As for moaners, we have one somewhere on the new estate over the road from the allotments that moans about everything, even bonfire smoke when its blowing in the opposite direction, complains that it stops them sitting out in the garden for a b.b.q in mid winter. You know the sort.

[Phil W]

Hi Treacleminer.

I'm not sure if it does need a window as such. I have a purpose made shed window frame, brand new that came from freecycle. It has openings for 6 small windows but inside takes just 1 piece of glass, perspex or whatever on the inside.  I'm toying with the question of window or wire mesh ventilation or half and half. If wire mesh will it need some kind of shuttering to cover it when its cold. The house is having an "onduline" roof so there will be ventilation under the eaves of that and I am planning a couple of small vents in the side walls. I've read and been told that ventilation without draughts is vital so I'm trying to get the balance just right. I'm new to poultry keeping so any advice is very welcome, I dont think you can ever stop learning.

[karlooben]

hi p-h.. yes i know the sort u are going on about only to well. i dread to see this woman again she wants me to confirm with her everything i do especailly with the chickens and the run    she wil get told ====== in a polite way .

[treacleminer]

Hi Phil
Sorry about my less than helpful earlier comment! - As someone who has a bought henhouse anyone building their own has my admiration!
I don't really know but would think that overheating in summer may be more of a problem than not getting the sun in winter? and as I said before I think ventilation is the main factor inside not light, it will then depend on floor areas/numbers of chickens whether you want mesh or glass/perspex in the frame -  This site http://www.domesticfowl.co.uk/housing.html gives you some info & their opinion (& tries to sell you the ones they are agents for!) and so do many others - problem is you can spend more hours trawling the net that building the house :roll:
Hope it all goes well
Janet

[desandchez]

I WOULD PUT THE WINDOW ON THE SUNNY SIDE IN THE SUMMER JUST PUT A BLIND OF SOME SORT OVER IT.