Anyone regret not insulating?

[HickChick Wannabe]

Thanks for all the responses! That helps a lot with the decision, Pat. I think we should give those windows a try.

Cjeanean, what's enough chickens? I left room to grow, but to start with I only got 6. While I can't guarantee they won't spontaneously multiply (with no rooster- go figure

), that's all we'll probably have for this winter. Will their body heat do much in an 8'X8' shed?

I'm also looking for more help with a question here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=763436#p763436
Anyone want to tackle that one?

 

[ABstormyirefarm]

Regarding the use of canned foam insulation, I was considering this but am concerned my chickens & ducks will pick at the dried finish & get sick or die from it. Has anyone had that problem or will they leave it alone?

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
You can use it, you just have to cover it with something peck-proof (just as you would most any other type of insulating material).

The canned stuff is not probably the smartest thing to use for insulating a normal coop, though, as it would be massively expensive and you would want to think about what it outgasses in those quantities. Fiberglass or rockwool batts, or rigid foamboard cut to shape/size, would be greatly cheaper and simpler. If you had gaps around rigid foamboard you could always use the canned stuff *there* if you were bound and determined to

Good luck,

Pat

 

[jhc]

My hens seem to peck at everything light in color. I'd use the canned insulation in high areas around windows, doors etc. where they don't have constant access.

 

[ravenfeathers]

i'm insulating walls, floor, and ceiling, but i'm also using two large single glaze windows, salvage from someone else's shed. the windows will be on the west and south sides, so i'm hoping i won't have to cover them with plastic. if i do, chalk that up to learning experience. i have bitterly cold and windy winters here, though. your ohio winters are milder and the heat loss through your windows should be less.

as for the spray foam, i used that to fill in gaps around the tin roof, but it will all be covered up with plywood to keep the girls from undoing all my hard work. i mindfully did all the spraying of foam and caulking a good two months before i even got my chicks, so any off-gassing should be mostly over.