Insulation in coops??

[dalannex]

I was wondering if anyone insulates their coops? I live in SD so it does get very cold duing the winter months. I just don't know how much cold chickens and or ducks can tolerate. I do have electricity to it, so I can have heat lamps during winter.

Any advice would be awesome. THANKS!!

 

[norwich]

We live in upstate New York where it get very cold and snowy. Our coop is insulated and I sleep better on those cold, blustery nights because of it. No frostbite on our roosters either! In below freezing weather, I plug in the heater too.

 

[Mahonri]

I'm thinking of putting in insulation and then perhaps a window AC unit.

 

[SoJoChickens]

We are in Utah and have cold winters (maybe not quite as cold as SD though

). We did not insulate and had eggs all winter.

 

[dalannex]

I worry about the wind, it gets NASTY!! Also, eggs tend to freeze fast up here, if they are exposed at all. I don't know about the AC unit, but I would put a fan in there.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Intheswamp]

I would say go ahead and insulate...it definitely won't hurt the chickens any and may bump their comfort level up several clicks.

The insulation should help the wind issue. I would definitely seal areas that cause drafts where the roosts are and also along the floor. Just don't seal it completely so that there is no air exchange at all or moisture build-up could be a problem which could promote frostbite.

Best wishes,
Ed

 

[patandchickens]

Insulation is always a plus, never a minus (assuming you do it right).

You can get by in fairly cold situations without insulation, particularly for cold-hardy breeds, but it is comfier and easy to keep good air quality if you do have insulation. And if you decide to run a heatlamp, having insulation will reduce your electric bills

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Intheswamp]

...oh, and be sure and read Pat's Big Ol' Ventilation Page at https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION (Link located in Pat's signature.)

Exellent information!!!

Thanks Pat!
Ed