Heating a metal shed?

[crunchygranola]

I’m looking into which type of shed (I can’t find a traditional coop within my price range) to buy for my chickens, and so far, metal is looking like a good option for me and where I live. Though, I have a plan for cooling it down in the summer, but I imagine with it being metal that it doesn’t retain the heat like wood would. Am I wrong? What would be an effective way to keep it warm for my chickens?

 

[User635240]

I’m looking into which type of shed (I can’t find a traditional coop within my price range) to buy for my chickens, and so far, metal is looking like a good option for me and where I live. Though, I have a plan for cooling it down in the summer, but I imagine with it being metal that it doesn’t retain the heat like wood would. Am I wrong? What would be an effective way to keep it warm for my chickens?

Since hay and wood chips are flammable, heating it with a propane or wood stove is not recommended. You could insulate it with 1" foam sheets then cover the foam with linoleum or any hard surface to prevent the chickens from pecking at the foam. Suspended infrared heat lamps are also safely used in barns they just add to the electric bill.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

Where do you live? What breed of chickens?

As long as there are no drafts blowing on the chickens, and there is good ventilation in the shed **make sure there is good ventilation in the shed - or that you are able to modify it (i.e. cut metal if need be) to provide good ventilation**, you should not need to heat it.

However, if you feel it is absolutely necessary, the ONLY thing I would use is a Sweeter Heater above the roost. A Sweeter Heater is a radiant heat panel that warms the birds (NOT the coop).

Chickens are literally wearing a down coat and their internal temperature is about 104°F. Proper ventilation (to rid the coop of moisture and prevent frostbite) and making sure there aren't any drafts are far more important than heat in the winter.

Also, be careful with insulation - it can provide a very cozy place for rodents to make a residence, and if they find a way in, they WILL make a nest in it, causing a much bigger issue than a cold coop.

 

[DobieLover]

What would be an effective way to keep it warm for my chickens?

Lots of ventilation and dry bedding with no open water sources. Chickens are designed to keep themselves warm as long as they can stay dry and roost in a draft free space.
Unless you live in a truly brutal climate, you will not need to heat or insulate it. Your biggest challenge will be getting copious amounts of air turn over in it to keep moist air from condensing on the roof and dripping down on the birds.
Where are you located?
How many birds do you plan to house in it?
Are you planning on attaching a large predator proof run with a solid roof that can be winterized?

 

[crunchygranola]

Where do you live? What breed of chickens?

As long as there are no drafts blowing on the chickens, and there is good ventilation in the shed **make sure there is good ventilation in the shed - or that you are able to modify it (i.e. cut metal if need be) to provide good ventilation**, you should not need to heat it.

However, if you feel it is absolutely necessary, the ONLY thing I would use is a Sweeter Heater above the roost. A Sweeter Heater is a radiant heat panel that warms the birds (NOT the coop).

Chickens are literally wearing a down coat and their internal temperature is about 104°F. Proper ventilation (to rid the coop of moisture and prevent frostbite) and making sure there aren't any drafts are far more important than heat in the winter.

Also, be careful with insulation - it can provide a very cozy place for rodents to make a residence, and if they find a way in, they WILL make a nest in it, causing a much bigger issue than a cold coop.

That all sounds wonderful, thank you so so much. This is my first winter with chickens, and after a rough summer with the weather, I wanna be completely equipped.
I live right in the upper Southeast portion of Pennsylvania, and my birds are Starlight Green Eggers. I have four.

 

[crunchygranola]

Lots of ventilation and dry bedding with no open water sources. Chickens are designed to keep themselves warm as long as they can stay dry and roost in a draft free space.
Unless you live in a truly brutal climate, you will not need to heat or insulate it. You biggest challenge will be getting copious amounts of air turn over in it to keep moist air from condensing on the roof and dripping down on the birds.
Where are you located?
How many birds do you plan to house in it?
Are you planning on attaching a large predator proof run with a solid roof that can be winterized?

Would some kind of padding on the ceiling work to keep the condensation from dropping on the hens?
I live in the upper portion of Southeast Pennsylvania, I have four medium-sized birds (Starlight Green Egger), and I am going to attach the shed to the run (25’ x 13’ x 6’) via cutting a small hole in the shed and hooking it up directly to the run with a door to keep it shut if needed.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

That all sounds wonderful, thank you so so much. This is my first winter with chickens, and after a rough summer with the weather, I wanna be completely equipped.
I live right in the upper Southeast portion of Pennsylvania, and my birds are Starlight Green Eggers. I have four.

Yes! The summers are typically harder on our birds than the winters. I'm in Michigan, so similar-ish winters (I do have a Sweeter Heater above the roosts that I will turn on if temps get in the negatives (mostly because it makes ME feel better, lol), but I dont think it's a necessity. I think your birds will do fine!

 

[crunchygranola]

Yes! The summers are typically harder on our birds than the winters. I'm in Michigan, so similar-ish winters (I do have a Sweeter Heater above the roosts that I will turn on if temps get in the negatives (mostly because it makes ME feel better, lol), but I dont think it's a necessity. I think your birds will do fine!

Thank you so much! This brings a lot of peace of mind…

 

[ChickyCh00k]

Thank you so much! This brings a lot of peace of mind…

You bet!

Below is a great article on ventilation. Like Dobie said, ensuring moisture has a way to escape will be a priority:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/

 

[crunchygranola]

You bet!

Below is a great article on ventilation. Like Dobie said, ensuring moisture has a way to escape will be a priority:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/

Thank you so much… It’s so nice to have resources!
I really really appreciate this.