Help with coop!

[flying_babyb]

So were urban chicken owners, and dont want everyone to know were raising chickens. So were planning on building a Cluckenham palace (https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=14375). So my issue is were living in Michigan. In the winter we get down to -20 at least once a month. What sort of inslatuion can we use in our coop to mantain heat in the winter but not overheat our chickens in the summer? In the winter our chicks will be moving into the garage, where its warmer (but not heated). Any advice?

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
Wow thats beyouteful.... I dont live where it gets that cold but I suspect someone who does will pop in and give you the scoop. From what I have read The cold isnt so much a problem as moisture in the coop and that excellent ventilation is needed.

Me personally If I were going to insulate I would use that styrofome stuff they sell at Home depot then put panelling over it so the chickens dont pick at it. believe it or not insulation also works in the summer to help deflect heat and retain coolness. The biggest concern in the summer too is ventilation. Were talking the air needs to be unobstucted as it flows Through. Believe me I know Hot.... our summers are regularly 110. You probably get up to 90 with a heat indext from humidity that brings it up to 110-115 on occasion though.

here is a great article I read written right here on Cold climate coops... and ventilation

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-winter-coop-temperatures
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION

I have been on a journey of discovery since I started here trying to absob as much as I can before I build my next coop.

 

[flying_babyb]

Ive actully read the articles on here already. Im currious to see what others use. The main reason we picked the coop we did is because it looks like a playhouse so the neighbors wont relize we have chickens.....

 

[wolfandfinch]

Quote:
insulations works both ways so to speak. it will keep your coop warmer in the winter by keeping the chicken's warmth in and the chill out, and in the summer it will keep some of the beating heat out too (and the chicken's warmth in LOL)

I would recommend insulation as well as ventilation. Perhaps a pop out vent/mushroom cap? Hardclothed windows on either end of the coop to allow for a cross breeze in the summer?

You could also splurge and put some electric radiant heat in the coop, in the floor to be turned on in the winter. Seems ridiculous, I know. Just an idea! heating pad?

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
insulations works both ways so to speak. it will keep your coop warmer in the winter by keeping the chicken's warmth in and the chill out, and in the summer it will keep some of the beating heat out too (and the chicken's warmth in LOL)

I would recommend insulation as well as ventilation. Perhaps a pop out vent/mushroom cap? Hardclothed windows on either end of the coop to allow for a cross breeze in the summer?

You could also splurge and put some electric radiant heat in the coop, in the floor to be turned on in the winter. Seems ridiculous, I know. Just an idea! heating pad?

They make coop heaters you can fasten to the wall. Electric and work like a heating pad.

 

[flying_babyb]

didnt think of in-floor heating! I know we were planning on putting some sort of screening on the windows so they could be opened for extra ventalition. I figure now is the time to get as many ideas as I can since we havent stated building yet.

 

[wolfandfinch]

perchie.girl :

Quote:
insulations works both ways so to speak. it will keep your coop warmer in the winter by keeping the chicken's warmth in and the chill out, and in the summer it will keep some of the beating heat out too (and the chicken's warmth in LOL)

I would recommend insulation as well as ventilation. Perhaps a pop out vent/mushroom cap? Hardclothed windows on either end of the coop to allow for a cross breeze in the summer?

You could also splurge and put some electric radiant heat in the coop, in the floor to be turned on in the winter. Seems ridiculous, I know. Just an idea! heating pad?

They make coop heaters you can fasten to the wall. Electric and work like a heating pad.​

yeah but that would be the appropriate way of doing it - you know, something actually made for the job? I prefer to use something that wasn't, then complain when it doesn't work.

 

[perchie.girl]

Coop heaters. You can find them on Amazon as well.

http://www.shopthecoop.com/chickens/He.html

 

[GeneJordan]

purdy....

 

[booker81]

Our shed is insulated, and we cut some LARGE holes in it for summer ventilation - covered those with wire. In the winter, we covered all but one with a sheet of Tyvec, - we left the built in vent open. It worked well. Since I have three big openings for summer, I've uncovered one - the one furthest from the roost to start venting it more. When it gets warmer, I'll uncover the second. By summer, all vents and openings will be wide open, and we often leave the front door of the shed open for complete airflow (the coop is in the back half of the shed, and built to be anti-predator).

We did end up using a water heater for their water, due to long freezing times, but the chickens all did very well. Also put in a lamp to let them have light through the winter (just a "heat lamp" with a plain 60W bulb in it.)