1) Shelter (from wind, rain, snow, and sun):

• Offers enough shelter for all the chickens to find protection from rain and snow.

• Should be closed off on the windy and cold side.

• Provides shade from the sun.

• Supplemental heat or insulation isn’t necessary for US Hardiness zones three and above (if you have a winter hardy breed).

• Remember, heat brings moisture and moisture hosts disease and mold.

2) Adequate Sunlight:

• Housing openings should face the sunny side.

• You can opt for 25% of the roof to be open as long as the sheltered area is large enough for all the birds to find refuge from the rain/snow if needed.

• Open up the front of your housing as much as possible to capture all the light and fresh air.  Many great housing set-ups are 100% open in the front.

3) Proper Ventilation:

• Install ventilation above where the chickens roost at night.

• Protect your chickens from driving wind and rain.  You can’t have too much ventilation.

• Cold moving air (not rushing winds) is a good thing during the winter as it draws the moisture out, preventing frostbite.

4) Predator Protection:

• No more than one inch gaps anywhere.

• Housing door should be opened in the morning and closed at night to prevent predators unless you have a reliable predator-proof fencing system.

• Chicken wire or wire mesh should be used over open areas.

5) Multi-Purpose Everything

• Swivel bar is also the nest blocker.

• Pull Bar is also the roof prop.

• Nesting Boxes are also the egg and broody hen transporters.

• The perches are also the floor.

• The coop is mobile allowing it to be used for more than just housing.

• The door is also the ramp.

• The roof is also an access and a sun reflector (or collector).