Did you insulate your coop?

[imthedude]

I'm trying to decide if I want to add insulation to the 8x12 coop I built this spring. Easy framing and still open walls mean that I could add some bats pretty easily or cellulose without too much trouble but am somewhat on the fence as to whether or not it's worth it.

 

[Teach97]

i didn't

 

[aoxa]

Quote:
x2

 

[Dar]

I did but I am in Canada.. LOL

 

[Jay262]

Insulation isnt needed for ducks and chickens if you were housing some kinda exotic bird you might wanna consider it like some types of peafowl and guiena fowl dont do the best with cold. But for chickens and ducks it doesnt get cold enough to hurt them. I live up north in canada none of my coops are insulated. Focus on a good ventilation in your coop and forget the insulation heat isnt important for them.


If your insulating your coop its more for you cause you think they need it warm then it is for them. I have had birds in uninsulated coops for over 25 years and im yet to see one die from the cold.

 

[aoxa]

Quote:
So am I

 

[new chick 203]

We did. It helps in the Summer too, not just the cold. I think it's totally worth it. I want them to be comfortable and if it is insulated you can have good ventilation and feel like they aren't freezing. They eat more when they are cold, so money wise it seems reasonable too.

 

[stoopid]

We did. Imagine the day when you order another bunch of chicks, and have to find someplace else to sleep.
Might as well be comfortable.

 

[quercus21]

Both of ours are insulated, but the only heat source are the chickens and windows. During the dead of winter (end of January - beginning of February) does their water freeze. This year, I don't think it is going to freeze unless it drops pretty fast.

 

[Marcymom3]

Let us know what you decide. There have been some threads about this and people say that you have to put plywood or something to cover it because the chickens will peck at/eat it. I guess the deciding factor would be how cold it gets where you live. If you have a long winter of below freezing weather and you can afford it, go for it. Seems like the experts here discourage heating coops but haven't weighed in too much on the insulation.

waiting to see what people post.