First time chicken parent

[nmoog81]

We just got our first set of chicks
4 RIR
4 Delware
2 Americauna
2 Crested polish
2 Silver Laced Wyanndote
I am in the process of getting their coop ready.. The winter's in Northern Montana can get downright ugly below zero for weeks at a time and possibly -40F... The coop is a 12 x 12 steel building with walk in door and 2 large windows. I am wondering if I insulate will it get too warm and too humid? And also what sort of temps am I going to need supplemental heat?

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC!
In your climate and in a steel building, insulation might be of benefit. Generally if you have very good ventilation, keep blowing wind off the birds and the coop dry, it is not necessary to supplement heat. BUT you may want to use radiant heat panels when it goes below double digits negative just to reduce their stress levels.

 

[nmoog81]

Hello and welcome to BYC!
In your climate and in a steel building, insulation might be of benefit. Generally if you have very good ventilation, keep blowing wind off the birds and the coop dry, it is not necessary to supplement heat. BUT you may want to use radiant heat panels when it goes below double digits negative just to reduce their stress levels.

Thank you! What kind of inside temp am I shooting for?