Do i need to insulate?

[Uk_Stu]

Hi There

I am in the process of building a coop for a maximum of 4 warren hens for my back yard, initially i want to buy 2 warrens then if all works out will get another couple..

My question is..

Will i need to insulate my coop? I live in Barnsley UK, in winter the temp rarely drops below -4C, the coop i am building will be draught free with venting in the roof.
side panels comprise of ½" Bonded Plywood.

any help would be great at the moment before i go any further with the project..

p.s. I will post some pictures of my build so far soon..

many thanks for any advice..

Stu

 

[ZombieChickens]

If you haven't already started building, my best advice is to check Craigslist. We got an insulated dog house for free. No building + free chicken coop = happy girl!

 

[ZombieChickens]

 

[Uk_Stu]

Hi there,

Thanks for the response, i have started to build the coop and just need to know if the hens would be ok with no insulation...

Cheers

Stu

 

[True Grit]

Minus 4 deg C is balmy compared with Minnesota where we can get minus 25 C for days at a time. I would think if your floor litter is nice and deep they should be fine.

 

[Uk_Stu]

ouch, i cant think how that would be..

thanks for the information..

i will post pics as i progress...

Stu

 

[lynxs1981]

You will be fine. Most chickens can survive below freezing, so you'll be ok without insulating.

 

[Uk_Stu]

here are the first images

The dimensions are as follows:

Living Area (can be added to if i find not big enough)

Length = 34"
Width = 26"
Height high = 40"
Height low = 32"

Nest Box

Width = 29"
Depth = 17"
Height high = 20"
Height Low = 15.5"

Under Coop which will be part of the run when complete

Height 30"

Height to point on roof = 74"

The run will be same height with a slope down and be double the length of the coop itself.

Do you think thats ok for 4 hens?

Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3
Pic 4

 

[woodmort]

I would think you 4 chickens would be nice and cozy to -2 F without insulation.

 

[Uk_Stu]

excellent news.... many thanks for your reply