This is our barn. We are turning over 1/4 of the lower barn into a chicken coop. It has a concrete floor. We are in NY and I want to be sure it has proper ventilation and insulation for the winter. Here are my current thoughts/questions:
-Do we need to put insulation into the walls/ceiling or because it will be so out of the weather and fully enclosed that it will be enough? DH is planning to insulate the ceiling when he encloses the rafters over the chicken area.
-If we put a dog door type opening in one of the doors (you can see one in this photo) with a hardware cloth enclosed area for them outside, do we need to lock them in the coop at night? Why do people lock them up at night?
I know I'll have more questions as we plan this Thank you!