OK, Can't rebuild, what are my options (Realistic Please)

[rosemarythyme]

the easiest thing to do right now would be to just remove the nests, get the lamps up, and get them out there.
You've got the winter to decide what to do next.

Well I was started the "remodel" of the Chicken Condo. It is freezing here...LOL 20 degrees outside.

This is where I'd definitely take aart's advice and wait until spring to make any bigger changes! The important thing is you have a nice structure that should do fine for the time being. Almost all of us make constant tweaks and changes to our coops over time... my coop page isn't up to date anymore and I posted it only 5 months ago.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I could use some clarification on ventilation. I am going to put some vents near the roof apex on each end. I have seen some suggestions on having ventilation near the floor. My concern is how windy it gets here in Nebraska. I could see all the heat escaping when the wind blows in from the lower vents.

Because your coop is shorter heightwise I don't know if I'd do floor vents... but add vents in the roof area for sure.

 

[CanadaEh]

I could use some clarification on ventilation. I am going to put some vents near the roof apex on each end. I have seen some suggestions on having ventilation near the floor. My concern is how windy it gets here in Nebraska. I could see all the heat escaping when the wind blows in from the lower vents.

1) have the vents not on the same level as the roosts to prevent direct draft on to chickens roosting at night
2) have a very large vent one end of the coop furthest away from the roosts, and have everything else is sealed. Check "Woods open air coop" for great discussion of the concept. Your coop would work well for this type of ventilation being so long and narrow. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/woods-style-house-in-the-winter.445004/

 

[aart]

Check "Woods open air coop" for great discussion of the concept. Your coop would work well for this type of ventilation being so long and narrow. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/woods-style-house-in-the-winter.445004/

Woods coops need a very specific proportions, it's often misunderstood...
.....3x13 won't work.

I think I suggested before to put louvered gable vents in both ends of coop,
you might want to be able to block part off at the heat lamp end tho until chicks are bigger.
Actually almost all vents should be closeable or dampable.
Ventilation is tricky....almost have to be able to get into coop with doors closed on a really windy day to assess air movement...every coop and site is different.

 

[CanadaEh]

Woods coops need a very specific proportions, it's often misunderstood...
.....3x13 won't work.

I am not suggesting converting it to Woods coop. The OP have concerns of cross breeze inside the coop in heavy winds, I am suggesting to have all ventilation on one end most distant from the roosts. There is a discussion there in the woods thread about that general principle (as no drafts in a pipe sealed on one end or at the back wall of garage even with door open).

 

[Cryss]

An idea for ventilation. Cut out the triangle areas on each end. Secure hardware cloth inside them. Attach plexiglass to the ends of the roof edges making sure the bottom edge is a couple inches longer than the opening. You can see how I did that to my coop in my thread Altering my terrible TS coop. I didn't do it perfect but you'll get the idea. It's really pretty easy and with your skills it's a piece of cake.

 

[Buckeye2002]

This is what I bought for my "ventilation" per suggestion at Home Depot:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-...-Eave-Soffit-Vent-in-White-EAC16X8W/100023618

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

This is what I bought for my "ventilation" per suggestion at Home Depot:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-...-Eave-Soffit-Vent-in-White-EAC16X8W/100023618

Not big enough IMO. I actually used those at the base of my coop. I cut each one into 3 pieces.

Something like this would be ideal, I think

 

[aart]

I am not suggesting converting it to Woods coop. The OP have concerns of cross breeze inside the coop in heavy winds, I am suggesting to have all ventilation on one end most distant from the roosts. There is a discussion there in the woods thread about that general principle (as no drafts in a pipe sealed on one end or at the back wall of garage even with door open).

Yes, understood...but wonders with one end was open on a 3x13 'pipe' would the fresh air even reach the far end? That's why the proportions are important for an 'open air' coop.

 

[aart]

This is what I bought for my "ventilation" per suggestion at Home Depot:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-...-Eave-Soffit-Vent-in-White-EAC16X8W/100023618

That should work on the gables...even tho it's a soffit vent.