Coop questions.

[Icarus]

Hi there, I am new to BYC and the whole chicken world and had a few questions if anyone can answer them. I have been looking at coop designs and have finally decided to design and build my own to suit my needs. I was wondering if the coop needed to be insulated; I live in west-central Indiana where the winters can be pretty cold and the summers equally as hot and humid, especially of recently. Otherwise I was planning on using plywood for the walls. It's only going to hold 3-4 hens, so the coop wont be too large. And as far as windows and insulation go im a little bit rusty, but I have a fairly good idea where to go on those aspects.

 

[NevadaRon]

Howdy, Icarus and

You will hear all sorts of opinions but personally, I don't think insulation is a good idea. You would have to put up some kind of interior wall covering so the chickens don't get into the insulation. That means mice will probably move into the walls. And, insulation can hold in moisture - not a good idea as that can cause health problems. You didn't say what kind of chickens you are getting but if you get cold hardy breeds and stay away from bantams, the cold shouldn't be a problem. Adequate ventilation is more important than insulation!

 

[perchie.girl]

There are lots of people here who dont insulate. I think most will say its more important to have good ventilation.
WRT the mouse possiblity... if you wanted to do it I would just make sure you blocked the walls well and sealed off any openings just as you would your own house. I would use the solid stuff like you can get in sheets at home depot. If you insulate Ventilation is doubley important because of the possiblity of condensation.

Check out this write up on Cold Climate coops.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-winter-coop-temperatures

she also adresses ventilation in

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION