Newbie in need of COOP advice

[FloodFarms]

I'm finishing a 12 X 12 COOP with a slanted/lean-to type roof (clear for sunlight I'm assuming). But, the North Wall is open at the top, and the East & West walls will each have "windows" that I can leave open in the summer/warmer months. They aren't in place yet ... I'm still working on those 2 walls. Questions are ...

Flooring ... Right now it's home-cut lumber, so there are some gaps here & there. What is too large of a gap? Do I need to add Hardware cloth to the floor before I add shavings or hay? Will the opening on the North Wall be too much ventilation in the Winter (Spartanburg, SC area)? I'll attempt to upload a picture of at least the north wall. What method is recommended for a COMPLETE newbie such as myself? Would DLM be OK for my area (very humid in the Summer months)?

Walls ... my dad put up plastic. I'm assuming to limit the wind. But, do I need to "finish" the walls on the inside to keep the chickens/hens from destroying the plastic?

Roosts & nests ... what height do I need to build each at. I was going to put the nests along the South Wall & the Roost along the North wall. Is this a good idea? Bad Idea? Then put feeders & water in the middle. Anything I need to do/think about with the feeders & water bowls?

Thanks again!

 

[Foster's Freehold]

I'm going to start my coop build as soon as it dries out a bit. Here is what I plan.
Roof will be slanted, with asphalt panels and a couple of clear ones for light. There will be lots of windows some which will open. Placement will be for max ventilation for the humid summers. Under eaves will be open about 6 in, covered with hardware cloth. There will be a couple of covered vents near the bottom on the north side for cool air flow in the summer.

Right now, my plan is for the roosts to be on the south side, I'll block sunlight in the summer by putting a shade tarp over the ground outside on the south side and growing climbing vines up and over it all. I'm really hoping that isn't gonna get too hot, I might have to put them on the north side in summer but dang, that's my breeding/brooding pens. Will just have to see how it works.

I use deep litter always. And I use hay with some chips. Toss scratch in every couple of days and let them turn it lol. Clean out in fall, with results going to compost for winter.

Just keep turning it over in your head. Visualize what you see when you walk out to the coop. Take pictures!!