Canadian and Northern states winter coops

[Bradfordj]

Obviously I have a well insulated coop along with many other things. I am curious to see other coop designs or methods people are using in their coops for the harsh Saskatchewan winter!

 

[Ray 434]

I purchased a farm site near Sylvania Saskatchewan. I am in the process of changing an old grain bin/small barn into a chicken house. It is 16 x16 and constructed like a small elevator with the roof steeply sloped. Walls are 16' high. The walls are constructed of 2x4's that are laid flat. It is still reasonably solid.

I was debating the insulation. I can make sure there are no drafts but it would pretty expensive and difficult to fully insulate. I have read various opinions on insulating but I am also well familiar with prairie winters. I could possibly use some sort of radiant heat when things got much colder than -20 C. I plan on keeping 10 chickens and 10 guinea hens.

 

[Bradfordj]

2x4 on their flat typically aren't as strong, I'm sure this building has been standing a while though. I'm using a remodeled wooden grain bin near Ituna sk. It's 12x14 but I insulated (150$ 2x4 insulation on 2 foot centre's cost is about 33 cents a square foot) I used a grain bag as vapor barrier which should do really well for keeping drafts out. It has an eight foot ceiling but I will be building it down to six and insulating it Making less area tar needs to stay warm. Ya birds can take some cold, but they can't take moisture a draft and -30 -40 with a wind. I know expensive but I suggest taking some measures to insulate your coop. Their combs and toes ect can't take -30 there. I'm not familiar with radiant heat so I'm not sure how well it works or how much area it's capable of warming. I use heat lamps.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Good ventilation and no heat or insulation. My thoughts on insulation other than the deep litter is negated by proper ventilation.

My climate zone is 3b which means lows of -30 to -35F which means -35 to -37C. Saskatchewan being so large ranges from 4a in south to 2a which is bitter a cold north.