How necessary is insulation?

[cmlew99]

Hello everyone! My father has been working quickly to finish my chickens' coop. My chicks are now eight weeks, and very much out growing their cardboard box in the living room. Like I said, we'd like this coop to be done ASAP, and were wondering if it was really necessary to install insulation? We are in Massachusetts, and our winters cause the temperature to drop well below zero at times. If we decided to put in a heat panel or other heat source, would we need insulation to keep the heat from escaping?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Judy]

A heat source is more likel to cause problems than help. Here are two excellent articles written by a Canadian about chicken keeping in your climate that I believe you will find informative:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/winter-coop-temperatures

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...-go-out-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop

 

[cmlew99]

Thanks for the links, they look like they've got some useful info. I'll show 'em to my dad tomorrow... Or later today since its already technically the morning. (you know your in trouble when you stay up all night long on a chicken forum)

 

[MamaChicken4]

I live in New York state about 5 minutes from mass... I didn't insulate my coop. I have all cold hardy breeds. As long as you have venting up high enough so it doesnt cause breezes or chills, everything should be fine. Plus you can feed them some scratch feed during the winter that keeps their warmth up.

 

[RonP]

Build in plenty of ventilation.
Make sure it is draft free.
Hardy birds will be fine way below your winter temps.
Worry more about keeping their water fresh and unfrozen.

 

[Blammmo]

I'm in MN and I insulated mine, it helps keep it cool in the summer and a bit warmer in the winter, usually if it's -30F outside it's still about 20 to 30 degrees warmer in the coop. I won't use heat except for the heated waterer and I always choose cold hearty birds.