In VT do I need to insulate?

[Nostalchic]

I have had insulated and uninsulated coops, both fairly large (mine is 8' x 14') and I think in cold climates it is well worth the effort to insulate. The coop stays much warmer and draft free. My neighbor insulated her coop this winter after she was in mine in a cold spell and saw the difference. It isn't that hard to do, really. We had a pretty cold winter, and my hens did really well, no frostbitten combs, etc. If it's cold enough to lose a few hens - even old ones - I wouldn't like that, I'd be lying under the down quilt feeling worried and guilty. I don't use any addl heat source, though, and haven't needed to.
If your coop is up off the ground for the chickens to get under, also consider the possibility of having to get them OUT of there if they decide to make a little nest or whatever, may want to give yourself a little room to maneuver.
OMG, you have an 8x8 coop and only five hens?? That can't last long (all that space will create a vacuum into which more chickens will be pulled - automatically!)

 

[RachelVT]

I can't thank you enough for all the great links to the info on coops and heat. They were really helpful

Now to getting building and less chicken foruming for me, even though I can be on here all day!

Thank goodness it's not snowing anymore and the snow on the ground is starting to melt.......

 

[blefky]

One more thing to consider is where the coop will be physically situated, and where your property is physically situated. We have a place in VT that is open and near the top of a peak, and WOW - that is some strong and biting wind up there during the winter months (upside is no need for AC for most of the summer!). Can't believe how much difference there is between the peak of our little "mountain" and the bottom. If you get a lot of wind, and don't want to insulate, you really should give consideration to draft protection. Good luck!

 

[Mervin]

patandchickens

I just wanted to say that I really appreciate the information you provide and the practicality with which you approach things here. I've read the 'cold coop' and ventilation pages and really have gotten a lot of useful information from them. Practicality seems to fall to wayside a lot on some of these threads and it's nice when people do keep it in mind. Thank you.

 

[MotherJean]

Quote:
I second that, Mervin. In the few months I've been lurking the forums I've come to rely on patandchickens (among a select few) for solid, reasoned advice. I think it's a real shame when the obsessive/compulsive types weigh in on a newbie's question and scare the bejeezus out of them with dire warnings and nose-in-the-air disapproval about providing anything less than plus-perfect living conditions for their birds. RachelVT, you are fortunate to have received some very sensible replies to your question. What it usually boils down to is: chickens are hardy souls - what farmers would call "easy keepers" - they really don't require a lot of what we give them. The fact that you asked about insulating your coop tells me that you would probably be more comfortable next winter (and your chickens certainly will be) if you do. If you decide not to, it doesn't make you a bad chicken mama.

 

[RachelVT]

Mother Jean thank you for being so understanding. I am a very good mother and want the best for all the things in my life and want my chickens to be happy and healthy but at some point I have to remember they are chickens. But don't be fooled I will be smothering them with love and care even if I don't insulate.

I took a walk up my road and my neighbor an old, old time farmer has chickens among other things. And I asked him to see his coop, I was shocked to see how minimal it was. No insulation, even broken windows but I must say his chickens looked great and healthy

. He even said that in the hardest times of the winter his has never lost any! That made me feel better!
So all this being said I think no....i will not be insulating. Sorry to all those who think it's really necessary.

. Please forgive me!

 

[jmagill]

Here in Wyoming -30 and below some times. No insulation. It is not needed if the hen house is well built and not drafty. I have a heater in the water and a light to extend the short days.
My chickens rarely go outside in the winter so enough space is important. I don't coddle my animals ( my horses are out in the cold and snow 24/7)

Now on to reason for having insulation.

More insulation means not as many frozen eggs.
Less electricity to heat water.
Warm chickens need less energy to keep warm and therefore better egg production.
Earlier start to the egg season with chickens that take a winter break.

 

[Arlokitty]

I'm new to all this, and appreciate all the good info I'm seeing. Another question: If I decide to put some insulation on the west wall (the windward wall) do I need to worry that the chickens will peck at/eat the blue insulation if I don't cover it? We live in SE Wyoming, in the windy zone, and the little old building we're planning on using is drafty. I know venting is important but I want to strike the balance between good venting and insulating and not over-doing it! Thanks for any feedback!

 

[mamagardener]

I live in Central MA, and we get pretty cold...maybe not as cold as you but not too far off. I do not have my coop insulated or have a heat lamp. They did fine and did not seem unhappy about the cold at all. I think it is more cold drafts and dampness that you need to worry about.
My coop is about 1and1/2 feet to two feet off the ground and the chickens can easily walk around under it. It also gives them a nice shady spot to hang out in the hot summer.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Yes, they will eat the insulation unless you cover it over (scrap plywood, recycled rec-room panelling, whatever).

As far as drafts, what you mainly want is to make sure there are not going to be winds sneaking in thru gaps where they can blow right *at the chickens*, during daytime or on (or right above) the roost. There are various things you can do with plywood, or battens, or caulk (in locations where hcickens can't reach), or strips of feedbag jammed real hard into cracks as chinking, or whatever.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat