Anyone else in the high desert?

[Cattle dog Mom]

Winter wind here is more often from the north east, but the direction rotates throughout the day. Morning is often from the south. Afternoon, when the wind is strongest is from the west moving north. By the evening to early morning it’s from the north moving east and wind speed subsides.
The open side faces north east because most of the year, wind here comes from the opposite direction. During this time of year the north east wind is in the evening and mostly mild. I have a plywood panel I place against the open side if needed during wind storms, etc.
This is my first time raising chickens so it’s a learning experience for me, so far it works here, it’s definitely milder than where you’re located. I’m always evaluating the situation and willing to make changes.
Good luck with your coop! I’m interested in raising turkeys, good to know it’s easier (hopefully).

Thank you. Turkeys are fun!

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

The Woods Coop design is popular for really cold climates— could work for high wind too?

Here is a thread that had recent activity.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/8-x-12-woods-coop-design-plan.1221551/

How do you keep the wind from blasting in though?

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

Our front faces South and the run is fully covered, so the sunlight is limited thru the windows and front skylight. But, anything is better than nothing.

Here's a couple pics...

OK, that is freaking AWESOME! I also LOVE the "cage" under the roost!

 

[RojoMarz]

OK, that is freaking AWESOME! I also LOVE the "cage" under the roost!

We didn't have the roost/poop board at first...had a ladder style roost. Didn't take long to remove and replace with roost/poop board. The coop is so much easier to keep clean with the poop contained. The brooder/sick bay area was added a few months ago, when we got three new young pullets. Figured that was a great area to use.

We definitely have too many nest boxes. The girls only use the 3 nesting boxes that are behind the curtains. I have 4 more blocked off and behind the white plastic shower curtain. Store feed, grit, oyster shell, etc. behind there. Then there are still several empty/unused boxes.

 

[CinnaBun]

From what I understand, the Woods Coop windows would face the least wind— upper windows stay open, lower windows close or crack as needed. Maybe use louver windows?

 

[aart]

How do you keep the wind from blasting in though?

All openings, except the large lower front,
are closed in winter forming an air cushion affect.

From what I understand, the Woods Coop windows would face the least wind— upper windows stay open, lower windows close or crack as needed. Maybe use louver windows?

Optimally the front faces south for solar gain.

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

All openings, except the large lower front,
are closed in winter forming an air cushion affect.


Optimally the front faces south for solar gain.

And by "front" you mean the raised roof part right? (So the door would be on the east side.)

 

[aart]

(So the door would be on the east side.)

Yes.
(in the thread linked above)
Door could be on the west side if the site needed it there.