louvers

[trudyg]

I have a 12 x 8 prefab building as my coop. One window and double doors, so plenty of ventilation. The problem is that, when it rains, the rain blows in and the floor gets wet (not the nests or roost, due to placement). I would like to install something like shutters/louvered closet doors over these opening to keep the rain out but still have ventilation when it's hot. I usually leave the window and doors open and have wire over the window 1/2" and a dog kennel wire door over the double door opening. Just wanting ideas to keep the rain out. I also bought louvered panels like over your furnace filter that I plan to put on the opposite wall but haven't done it yet, mostly for circulation when it's hot here in the South. Does anyone know if you can easilly make louvered covers? I have tools but have no plan for how to go about creating angles.

 

[Kiki]

Could you build something like in these links?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/happy-dog-hills-happy-hen-hotel.72968/

6th photo down:
Post #1 of 8

10th photo down:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-coop-8.53100/

 

[Perris]

Texas Kiki's v. useful links show the sort of solution I'd adopt too in your situation, either fixed or hinged, solid or transparent as you wish.

 

[123RedBeard]

How about a leanto style extended roof over the front? Kinda like a huge awning.

I'm guessing it's a pitched roof, could you just extend it out another 4-8 feet, it would also provide extra shade.

 

[RoosterML]

@trudyg Pictures of your current setup would really help. We don't really know what the structure looks like to come up with some specific ideas for you.

 

[trudyg]

I"ve thought of a lean-to type roof, but the building is up 2 cement blocks high, so I'd have to be 12'+ in order to do it. I was kinda wanting louvers so I wouldn't have to go out and open/close it. I have it set up with an ADOR door so don't have to go out but once a day to scoop the poop board, gather eggs, change water and do general inspection. I leave for work around 5 am, so this set up works for me.

thanks for the suggestions, I'll probably do the hinged drop-down thing for the window at the least. It's the big door that has me stumped. I like the idea of a shed roof for that since it gives shade, too.

 

[jthornton]

Making louvered doors is a bit fun for sure, you need to make a jig for that job.

I made louvered vents for my new coop and that is a bit easier than making doors.




JT

 

[trudyg]

Ok, Jthornton, do you have a pic of the jig you made? I' thinking a 1x4, mark your angles and width of the slats and saw these out, then clamp this jig on the 2x4. Set the saw for depth so you don't go all the way thru and then go for it. I don't have a router but have a table saw, hand circular saw and chisels. I wonder if I couldn't use a large drill bit at the inner edge, that would round it a bit, and then straight cuts with the circ saw from outer edge to drilled hole? then complete a frame and slats, assemble and install

 

[aart]

Set the saw for depth so you don't go all the way thru and then go for it.

Looks like that's what JT did:

 

[Ridgerunner]

Trudy do you have a pop door? To me the big advantage of a pop door is that they are small (mine is 12" x 12") so they don't let in much weather.

JT how predator proof are your louvers? Could a raccoon pop one out? Won't come out the front, will they the back? Maybe they are glued in? Do you have wire mesh behind them? Looks like you may have used a router? Nice job, just as I would expect from you.

Trudy a photo could help with specific suggestions. Louvers over the window or doors could be a big help. If you have roof overhang cutting out the top of your wall and covering that with hardware cloth can be a great solution. How well does the floor drain? If it drains well and especially if it is mostly sand, getting wet may not be that bad of you don't use bedding. Not sure what to suggest since I don't know what it looks like.