Help with ventilation, opinions please PIC

[horseshowmomnv]

Our coop is 8x10 7ft tall, we currently have 18 9wk old chickens. My question is: We in Reno NV, the winter can be cold and snowy, not alot rain but we do get thunderstorms... ALOT of wind!
I am seeking opinions on how to cover these during severe thunderstorms to prevent rain, and in the winter to prevent snow from blowing in. We need a practical way to keep out the elements when necessary as our summers can be over 100 degrees and we need lots of ventilation.

Currently they are covered with hardware cloth. The opposite side is the same, they face North and South.

Design flaw, but it is what it is now, any thoughts?

The OSB board will be covered with redwood lap siding eventually. Additional windows will be added South, and West sides.

 

[crumptz]

I have a place in Tahoe... We have a window that has been crushed by snow load when the plow pushes it off the driveway. We decided to cover it with plexiglass during the winter so we could still see out. Here is my sugestion to you:

Cut a triangular piece of thick plexiglass if you want the light-- or plywood if you don't care about the light. The triangular piece will fit under your eves. Put a few heavy hooks under the eve. Cut holes in the plexiglass or plywood so you can hang the covering when you need it..
OR, take the triangular piece of wood, hinge the bottom of it so it can hang down during the summer and have it fasten UP in the winter. Hope that helps

 

[horseshowmomnv]

Thank you Crumptz,
Do we need that ventilation during the winter? With our sudden thunderstorms, can leave us unprepared to cover quickly if we are out running errands.

Wondering if there is a way we can make a vent type cover?

 

[Kjf18]

You might leave a strip open right under the eaves. Or put a gable vent into the space. The slanted louvres help keep out the rain and snow.

KJF

 

[horseshowmomnv]

You might leave a strip open right under the eaves. Or put a gable vent into the space. The slanted louvres help keep out the rain and snow.
KJF

Is that enough ventilation if we leave 5 inches open on each each side North and South?