Apply hardware cloth everywhere, including under the flooring, except the door they go in and out. Apply at least two different types of latches on their door, possibly including one on the inside that you can operate with a lever or string. Raccoons can manipulate the sliding bolt type lock. Leave openings near the top, covered in a double layer of hardware cloth that you can open or close as necessary to control moisture levels. Look for breeds that are cold hardy. Generally small combs are best. They can handle very cold temps as long as they are dry and drafts are minimized. For example, putting the vents near the top ventilates without causing drafts across them. If you give them a flat board to roost on they will keep their toes warm. In theory, they can tuck their heads under their wings to protect their combs, but mine didn't get the memo. I used scrap rubber roofing for the flooring. Works very well...spilled water doesn't soak through anywhere. You might want to leave a well latched area on a side near the floor for cleaning the coop out. Put sturdy hinges on and then screw the bottom shut. Take the screws out to open it to clean. Nest boxes, of course. We built an external nest box which saves room in the coop and makes it easy to collect the eggs.. You can find plans online. An external nest box also needs sturdy latches as it will be another entry point for creatures looking for a chicken dinner or eggs for breakfast.
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