Crazy cold and snowy winters

[Kathrynmrae]

hi Ya’ll... I live in northeast PA, where the winters are crazy cold and snowy. I am transforming a shed into a coop for my 12 baby hens, should it be insulated? And if so, what type of heat source do I need for it?

 

[Howard E]

Insulated? Depends on the shed, but probably not. NO HEAT will be needed.

What you will need is ample ventilation and light. The lack of heat and ample ventilation runs counter to what most expect.

If you also build a run, plan to put a lid on it (roof) to shed the snow in winter, else the birds may not use it.

 

[Arla]

Insulated? Depends on the shed, but probably not. NO HEAT will be needed.

What you will need is ample ventilation and light. The lack of heat and ample ventilation runs counter to what most expect.

If you also build a run, plan to put a lid on it (roof) to shed the snow in winter, else the birds may not use it.

Agreed. I live where it can get pretty snowy. And I know man people without heaters in their coop, and perfectly happy chickens in the winter.

 

[Beer can]

If you were in northern Canada I'd say IDK? PA, nah, no heat for sure, insulation wouldn't hurt but IMHO unnecessary, biggest most important thing is good ventilation to prevent frostbite. Poor or inadequate ventilation, humidity is the worst in a cold environment.
I'm in upstate N.Y. and we've had weeks of below zero many winters and frostbite is a rare occurrence and usually minor (tips of roosters combs and heals just fine). Even my naked necks do just fine in subzero weather with open coops. Keep them dry in a well vented coop.

 

[Blooie]

I feel the same as the others, and I'm in Northwestern Wyoming not too far from Yellowstone Park. It's snowing today, and a couple of years ago our last snowfall was in June.