Coop design tips for cold weather (wanted tips)

For summer, you definitely need cross ventilation. And you still need some ventilation in the winter as well since they respire and the moisture must get out along with odors for air quality inside. I have vents that run all the way the length of my 20' coop at the top of the wall, with hinged doors that can be hooked at the top to stay open or be closed down. They are about 8" high, PLUS I have three windows and another vent on the back of the coop for cross ventilation, but that one is one of those meant to go in a crawlspace wall that you can open or close.
Here is a picture of when we were building the addition to our original 8x8 coop-see those vents? Even with all windows and vents open, this heat is almost unbearable this summer.

 

I have to agree with Cynthia. You will need ventilation in the winter as well. I have the same design in one of my coops, as Cynthia....top of the wall vents. Sure lets alot of the heat out. Cross ventilation is crucial in the summer heat. My Buff Orpingtons coop, has openings on all 4 sides, and in this heat, with fans going, and a dirt/gravel floor, it is STILL 104 in the coop. Its just tooo hot!!

 

Remember, every one of my long vents can close down in winter, so there is no heat loss, but they absolutely must have some ventilation in winter. In subzero weather, those little vents on each end of your saltbox may be enough, if you do not overcrowd your coop-the more birds, the more ventilation needed. I live in the mountains and we go into the single digits for several days in the winter and I still crack a section of those long vents and prop it with a piece of wood or something so it isn't open all the way, just a crack. They do better in cold than they will do in extreme heat, believe me. Here is a picture of how my long vents are held open-I can open them by however much I want by propping something in the opening, too.

 

I see your point, but I myself don't have any ridge vent due to the shed roof. All my ventilation is easy to close off completely or partially. I wonder if you maybe should do one or two of those black plastic turtleback looking things, if you know what I'm talking about, to let hot air escape rather than a ridge vent? Then in winter, you could cover them and just have the adjustable ventilation to contend with in the cold weather. I'm sure others will have suggestions for you, too.

 

My chicken house is salt box design except I made the skirt about 2' wide so that when it's raining I can stand underneath it and open door. I put the door in the front rather than the side. My run/chicken entrance is on the side.

For cold winters, there is enough ventilation naturally. Of course I'm not a good carpenter. Plus I have mice problems for they seem to want to add extra unplanned for and un-asked for ventilation..........

 

I do like that Lancaster Chicken Coop-adorable! Lots of windows that you can open or close and vary the airflow amts. How many bird are you thinking about? Remember to have 4 sq ft inside for each standard size chicken.