Insulate?

[TipsyDog]

I would insulate. If you have the time and money, just do it. It will cut down on drafts and overall you'll have a better coop. The birds will thank you.

Heating is optional. A heated waterer is about $40 at my local Agway, but it beats chopping ice blocks every few hours IMO. I plan to only use a heat bulb in extreme conditions if needed. Our coop is better insulated than my house!

We will also be adding plywood to two sides of our run so the girls are out of the wind and blowing snow. Hopefully it will keep the run snow free and allow them to be outdoors throughout the winter.

I have just added a flourescent light bulb (40W equivalent) on a timer for added daylight last week. These bulbs cut power usage but don't add any heat to the coop.

If we get a really bad winter, you could always add bales of hay around the outside of the coop for emergency insulation. Good luck and let's hope it's a mild one

 

[ksct]

I read on CNN they're calling for a wet winter and a blizzard somewhere around Valentines Day (as far a predictions go.....)
and Farmers Almanac said similiar things......
We have some tin we got for free (long sheets) that we will be screwing to the sides of the run which will cover about 3/4 of the length to help prevent drifting in. We will also be getting sand so they aren't in mud and/or frozen mud etc. I spoke with DH about insulation last night and he can get some 'damaged' paneling or plywood from work for free so we may be doing the insulation sooner than later. It's not cold in there now and they're fine. I'm sure they will be this winter. It's sealed up tight except for the vents at the top. I think I might feel better with insulation. And i'll be checking the heated waterers more closely for winter! Thanks for all the advice! I like this thread!