Insulate the coop or not - Northwest Nebraska

[Newchickey]

Hi working on what I want to do for a coop. I have two months and I am trying to do it smart, I know I will want more, so go bigger and do it right the first time.

I actually have two questions, Do I need to add insulation between the 2x4's and plywood sheets on the inside to? Most I seem to see are not.

When I was at the lumber yard in our little town, they told me they could order in the 1/2 hardware cloth for the bottom part of the run, but asked me why did I want it. I told them and both men said they have had chickens for 30 years one of them and 20 some years the other guy and never used anything more than chicken wire. One said a skunk dug under once, but that was his own fault for not burying it. So is it over doing it? Or can I use it on the bottom and chicken wire on the upper part, say over 3 feet and and across the top?

Thanks

 

[Judy]

Maybe your friends' nearby predators have been finding enough food without bothering their chickens == but that is a remarkable record. And, if a coon or similar ever finds their chickens, he will keep returning for the easy meal.

You may live far enough north that you will decide to insulate, but you are correct, even up there, many do not. Here are a couple of articles written some years ago by a Canadian member, that are well known here for their good information, and discuss insulation and other factors:

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

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

 

[Hokum Coco]

I actually have two questions, Do I need to add insulation between the 2x4's and plywood sheets on the inside to? Most I seem to see are not. No not necessary (it does have advantages however and you may save a little on feed not much)
Can I use it on the bottom and chicken wire on the upper part, say over 3 feet and and across the top? LIKE!

Thanks