Insulating A Coop in North Carolina

[fuquay nc girl]

I am new to BYC and am in the process of designing my coop. I have noticed that most of the coops do not have insulation in them and was wondering if I even need it here in the Fuquay North Carolina area? Any suggestions on coop design would be much appreciated.

 

[jeepguy982001]

i think you'll be fine without it. I live in wv so its alot colder in the winter and my chickens do great. As far as coup designs you can click the coup tab and it has tons of designs in all different shapes and sizes.

 

[fuquay nc girl]

Based on your answer I would guess that you only need insulation to keep out the cold? I myself doubt that it would help keep them any cooler during out hot summer months?

 

[jeepguy982001]

I think it would hold the heat in too. 2 of my chickens are 5 months now but been outside since the middle of jan they play outside when it's 20 degrees outside like its no problem. So yours should be fine.

 

[Judy]

Chickens will have no problem with in cold, in your climate, which is more hot than cold to them. They in effect grow their own fur coat. What they don't tolerate well is heat. You will want to be sure there is plenty of shade and moving air in hot months. They also don't tolerate humidity and ammonia, so they need sufficient ventilation even on the coldest nights, up high, where these things will exchange out. They would actually do fine with a 3 sided coop there, with the open side downwind, of course. They will appreciate not having cold winter winds blowing on the roost -- but they won't mind cold winter temps at all. And they like to get out of the rain -- sometimes, if it's raining hard enough. I'll give you a couple of links to look over. Note that the one on ventilation was written by someone who lives in Canada.

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

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/163417/please-show-me-your-hot-weather-coops

 

[fuquay nc girl]

Thank you so much for all the valuable information. I will have to re-think this coop situation and figure out what works best for me. I don't have any city or neighborhood requirements, but I would still like to it look pleasing to the eye. Love this website it is full of wonderful information. I have been wanting chickens ever since we visited a Fitzgerald, GA which has free roaming chickens right in the downtown area. It was pretty funny to watch the chickens roaming down the sidewalks and crossing the street.Thanks again, Gail.

 

[beach livin']

im over in manteo. we dont have any insulation for our girls. they should be fine nice to have you here

 

[JackE]

I don't have any insulation in mine, as the chickens have their own insulation. That said, I have read where insulating the roof would help block out some of the summer heat. I might add that some day. As far as insulating the walls, you would have to have interior walls to cover the insulation, otherwise the chickens would just tear into it. The problem with interior walls in a coop, is you have given rodents and who knows what else a secure hidden place to set up housekeeping of their own. Insulation for the most part in a coop, is an unnecessary expense and extra work, IMO.
Jack

 

[Ole rooster]

I did insulate mine. I intended to use my coop as a semi brooder and figured the chicks could use it. This past winter I had water outside freeze while the water inside the coop for the chicks did not. To my it's not that much trouble to go ahead and insulate so I did. I'm also glad I did. I honestly was supprised at the difference insulation made.

 

[daver]

I am new to BYC and am in the process of designing my coop. I have noticed that most of the coops do not have insulation in them and was wondering if I even need it here in the Fuquay North Carolina area? Any suggestions on coop design would be much appreciated.

I am about thirty minutes south of you and have not found any need for insulation. Unless you just want to do it.

As you well know this past winter was very mild but I find none of my chicken raising friends and nieghbors taking such precautions. The birds will do fine summer and winter without it.

Just my experiences with chickens.

Dave