Coop size

[EngeFamilyFarms]

we are expanding our flock and now we will need a larger coop. We will have 20 laying hens next spring, how big of a coop do we need? I’m making it out of barn steel to match our pole barn. Also, we live in Michigan, do I need insulation or will straw and some hay bales work?

 

[rosemarythyme]

The typical recommendation is 4 sq ft per bird, in colder climates I'd say up it to 6 or even 8 per if possible, to account for days where they don't want to go out due to weather.

How cold does it get typically? You can do insulation but it needs to be sealed up really well, so the birds don't pick at it and mice don't live in it, so stacking some hay bales might be a better option.

 

[Latestarter]

I would recommend against insulation. Unless you intend to build a fully climate controlled space, insulation is an enemy as it will trap moisture inside, which in sub freezing weather will cause frostbite as well as other issues. Your best bet is to strive for excellent ventilation with no direct wind/breeze currents over the roost area. The chickens will fluff up their down coats and huddle together on the roost to share body heat and should survive quite nicely down to -20°f in the evenings. Of course some breeds are more cold tolerant than others. I speak from front range of CO experience.

I believe the 4sqft/bird is specifically because of times when they may stay inside. Obviously more is generally better, and the recommendation is for 10 sqft/bird in the run area. So you do the best you can and give them as much space as you can, and then go from there.

 

[member 373180]

Whatever number you arrive at, I suggest you double it because you know you'll want to expand again!

 

[flyin-lowe]

Minimum recommended space would be 80 square foot (8x10) of coop space along with 200 square feet of run space (10 square foot per bird). I am in Indiana so my climates are not too far off of yours (unless you are way up north) and insulation is not needed. It will draw in mice etc. and cause more trouble then good. There are many breeds of chickens that can do well in the winter. Just keep it insulated and free of drafts. My coop has the small pop door, an open gable ridge, open eaves, and 4 windows that stay open year round. The last two winters we have had nights with wind chill temps -20f or colder and never had a problem.

 

[snow5164]

insulation is not the enemy, it is the type you choose , we used blue foam sheets to insulate the walls, floors and ceilings of our coop , no mice and we are surrounded by farm land . Foam is not nesting material for mice , and our cats take care of them anyways . We have opening windows and plenty of room .

People don’t understand your climate really you know what the extreme temperatures are like . I’m in Manitoba and we have some nasty weeks , the insulation allows our coop to stay a few degrees cooler in summer and warmer in winter ...

Good luck

 

[flyin-lowe]

In my neck of the woods the mice would move in and chew up the foam board in no time

 

[snow5164]

In my neck of the woods the mice would move in and chew up the foam board in no time

Ever seen it? Used it ? It’s not like fibreglass insulation that is used for nests , there is no use for this foam for rodents , yes they can chew threw it but the chance of the is much less then with loose batting style insulation .

Some insulation is better then no insulation, why do houses have attics full of insulation in hot climates? Because it keeps out the heat .

It’s like many debates , you need to choose for yourself ,because we are all definitely without a doubt 100% correct on our statements

 

[pintail_drake2004]

what size coop depends on available material. I don't like to cut metal if I can keep from it. So, I made my coop 8x12 which allowed me to buy standard barn metal and not have to cut the sheets down. This also allowed me to have less waste when it came to framing as well.

 

[aart]

You might want to insulate under the metal roof,
both against condensation and to slow summer heat gain.
I'd advise against wall insulation due to rodents....but do not forget about ventilation!
Where in MI are you Metro Detroit or the Soo?