This is gold! Thanks everyone! I have some major video/links homework to do
Some of the things I’ve learned so far:
Space! Chicken need it to be healthy and loved.
Be conscious of ventilation! be sure there is enough and it works well with the design, ventilation from above in the cold areas.
Drainage- yes, it’s draining towards the garden area (luckily my husband is a hardscape landscaper so he is very concerned with that part)
Direction. it is facing South - we will be making sure there is mass in the back that will hold heat to create a “constant” temp.
more, more, more! This is so great to have this community!
When considering your ventilation, be sure that it can't be blocked by snow. Generous roof overhangs are your best friend.
This diagram comes from an article on cow barns, but the principles are the same.
Also, there is a thing called a Woods Coop, that was specifically designed for northern climates. As a southern chicken keeper I don't know much about them, but I know that there's another Canadian on here, @Ted Brown who advocates for them.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-kd-knock-down-10-by-16-coop-pictorial.75421/