Coop insulation concerns

[DobieLover]

Sand has been a blessing for me. I put a long handle on my litter scoop and I can scoop the poop right where it lands and keep it pretty clean sand throughout. Until I added a long handle I had to rake it to the opening and it got all mixed in with the sand and was not near as easy to deal with. But I think I want to add something warmer on the floor for the winter. Thanks for the input. I will give it a try.

You don't have cold winters. I wouldn't worry about it.
Your coldest temps are warmer than my day time high temps.
If you want to keep using the sand to make morning clean up easier, can you install poop boards? Then you can bed down the floor with pine shavings and put the sand on the poop boards. That is how I have my coop set up but I have a walk-in style.

 

[DobieLover]

Here are my pics. I am lacking in the paint finishing and trim on the boxes, but working on it on dry days.

No pictures uploaded.

 

[CatWhisperer]

I am also in NW Arkansas, Rogers. I think with your coop elevated off the ground you would be much better off with shavings. My coop is also off the ground and As a floor I put insulating foam board that has plastic laminated to both sides. In fact my whole coop is lined with it. If using shavings you need them to be deep, 6-8”, to benefit from their insulating quality. I will add, that compared to others on BYC, I am overly concerned with my chickens comfort.

 

[munchkinlover]

Didi they show up this time?

 

[aart]

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Didi they show up this time?

Yeppers!

 

[aart]

Nice run!!

I would not insulate, I'd add more ventilation.
Louvered gable vent above nests and an open gable vent above pop door.
Might want to add some wind blocks in run, near coop and wherever your prevailing winds come from.
Do you get much snow there?

 

[munchkinlover]

Nice run!!

I would not insulate, I'd add more ventilation.
Louvered gable vent above nests and an open gable vent above pop door.
Might want to add some wind blocks in run, near coop and wherever your prevailing winds come from.
Do you get much snow there?

Not really. Usually one decent snow and then just a few flurries. I don't understand what wind blocks would look like in the run. Walls on each side?

 

[Eggs2chicks]

Wow did your husband build that? Can I borrow him. Lol. That coop is awesome. Yes pine shavings on the bottom. Mine is so makeshift and thrown together. lol. Though we did install a screen type hammock to catch the poop droppings yesterday and I can’t believe how well it works. I am so happy with it I could scream.

 

[aart]

Not really. Usually one decent snow and then just a few flurries. I don't understand what wind blocks would look like in the run. Walls on each side?

Lots of ways to do this.
Most use some plastic tarp or panels.
Cover all of the side that gets the prevailing winds,
you could do all of that side and part(nearest the coop) of the other side.
Do all around under the coop.
You want to leave some are open for good ventilation.

 

[munchkinlover]

Wow did your husband build that? Can I borrow him. Lol. That coop is awesome. Yes pine shavings on the bottom. Mine is so makeshift and thrown together. lol. Though we did install a screen type hammock to catch the poop droppings yesterday and I can’t believe how well it works. I am so happy with it I could scream.

Yes he did. He appreciates your comments too. Thank you!