Designs & ideas for small coops ideal for very cold winters

[adrian]

Hello,

I am looking for designs, plans, or ideas for small coops (2-4 birds, perhaps?) that can withstand very low temperatures. Being in Canada, particularly Saskatchewan, our winters can be lower than -30F. We sometimes have -40 days, or lower. I know insulation is absolutely crucial, and perhaps even extra heating from a heat lamp, but I want to design the coop to be as warm as possible on its own. Of course our summers can be hot, too, in the 90s sometimes, so it is a very troubling thing. We experience both extremes. I saw this design, and was interested, but it seems quite small and not insulated:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Backyard-Chicken-Coop/

Does anyone have any plans for a coop that meets these specifications, or any ideas? The more the merrier, I'm an extreme novice as far as woodworking or anything of the like goes.

Thanks.

 

[Judy]

Ventilation is at least as crucial as warmth in a cold climate, and in a small coop it is very difficult to get enough ventilation to let the humidity and ammonia out, without causing a cold draft on the birds. They tolerate cold very well, but humidity and cold tend to = frostbite. Here are two excellent articles about housing chickens in Canada:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-coop-temperatures

 

[adrian]

Thank you very much. Yes, I had heard about ventilation and its importance. Will do some further readings at the links you provided, thank you.