Insulating for winter?

[Nicole01]

With temps getting as low as -20F or more, we fully insulated the coop. We used insulation in between the walls and ceiling. I also bought a ceramic heat emitter for those super cold days. Our coop is inside our garage, so it's extra protected. I'm really happy how everything turned out.

 

[Rosaleen]

Believe it or not, I insulated my coop (from ceiling to floor) with political yard signs. They're made of a tri-walled thick foamy plastic. My husband ran for state rep a few years ago and we had a whole pile of these signs in the barn. They hang easily, I used a staple gun with half inch staples. The coop is a patriotic red, white and blue with our last name all over the place...but...it is draft free. The girls go in and out through a small double pane window to their run which will soon have an added layer of clear plastic to keep out the snow and wind this winter. They should be cozy this winter.

 

[maizy'smom]

Quote:
The image conjured by your description has me chuckling.

 

[teach1rusl]

A lot depends on a person's area as to whether they insulate or not. In my area (Indiana), I could have gotten by without insulating, but it sure makes me feel better that I did

Because I have windows in my coop, heat builds up nicely in there during the days, so it may only be in the teens outside, but gets up to around 40 in my coop. It's a lot more confortable for me too when I'm out there cleaning, feeding, hanging out, etc. That insulation helps hold that heat into the evening hours. In winter I shade the windows, and the insulation helps hold the nightly cool into the early afternoon hours.

 

[Gamble]

Thanks all, that makes me feel better! looks like a tarp is as sophisticated as we will go. We had 4 feet of snow last year...hope I survive shoveling!

 

[AinaWGSD]

The only "insulation" we have is the air pocket between the outer wall and the inner wall or our coop. There is also an air pocket in the floor, and we use deep litter in the winter. Last year was our first winter and we did wrap the west and north side with tarps to cut the wind. Made an enormous difference in the run. This year I think we're going to try clear plastic on the east side as well, plus we added a roof over the run this summer so hopefully I won't have to shovel the run so that the girls will venture out of the coop.

 

[equinelyn]

From what I've heard, most chickens can tolerate the cold very well. It's the wind that kills them.
Same with horses, they can tolerate the cold, but the wind can be dangerous.