From Tool Storage to Egg Storage. (insulation help)

[paintedpurpleponies]

HULLO! I'm new-ish. I had an account years ago that I didn't remember the email I used so I had to make a new one. I live in a different state now though so I need some easy, cheap but insulating suggestions.

I finally live somewhere I can have chickens again. I'm buying a house (hopefully. if everything goes to plan) with a shed that's already nicely painted with flower boxes under the windows, shelves inside a back door, and a side door. I lived in a different state with a different climate at the time. I live in Northern CO now so we see some pretty cold temps in the negative teens, sometimes for a few days, but usually not for more than 2-3 days in a row. We're 20s-30s-ish or warmer most of the winter. We do get incredibly strong winds sometimes out of nowhere. I'm not sure what the best way to prep the coop to be sure everyone stays warm enough in the winter and cool enough in the summer. Obviously I'm getting cold-tolerant breeds.

Is it at all reasonable to wrap the coop in a tarp or shower curtains during the winter and expect it to be enough? Would that keep it warm enough? I'm terrified of heat lamps but other sources of non-flammable heat are fine. It's a fairly large shed though and I can only have 12 chickens/ducks on my lot by city ordinance. I'm planning to get 6 chicks and 6 ducks. So the shed/coop won't be particularly full, and I know their body heat helps keep the temp up inside the coop. I'm not sure there will be enough of them. I'm wanting to have it both winter and heat ready so it's not too difficult to prep for whichever season we are going into. I'm definitely unskilled in building/insulation anything. I do have access to people who can help me though lol

Please give suggestions tyvm

 

[DobieLover]

Northern CO now so we see some pretty cold temps in the negative teens, sometimes for a few days

That is very similar to my winter conditions. You do not need insulation.
You need copious amounts of ventilation high above their heads. Shoot for 1 sq ft of permanently open ventilation per bird as possible.

I'm not sure what the best way to prep the coop to be sure everyone stays warm enough

I have windows at roost height that can be opened during the summer for cross breezes. They need protection from heat more than they do from cold.
The coop has gable vents, a ridge vent and soffit vents. All of the permanently open vents with the exception of the ridge vent are covered with 1/2" hardware cloth for security. They have two pop doors that remain open year round in addition to two windows in the front room that are left cracked open for additional ventilation. As long as you are choosing birds that are better equipped to handle cold weather, they would do very well in a setup like this.
The below photo was taken on January 5th when the temperature was 15F, having warmed up from 11F.
They've managed just fine many nights in the -20s.

As long as they are protected from drafts blowing at roost height and the coop is kept as dry as possible they can keep themselves warm during the coldest winter weather. If you feel the need to give them a boost during bitterly cold weather you can install radiant panel heaters for nights that drop well into the negative digits. I do use them as many members of my flock are over 6 years old and they do seem to succumb to temperature stresses more readily than their younger flock mates.

In mid to late November I also cover the outside of their run with reinforced poly sheeting that is secured with ripped down deck boards. That offers wind and snow protection so that they can go outside in their run year-round. It obviously also has a solid roof.