Insulation?

[mylilchix]

We live in the Front Range Foothills of CO, and we're in the process of building our coop. I'm wondering what type of insulation we should use to keep the chicken warm in the winter? I'm also wondering if we should insulate or just use thermal house wrap? Thanks for the advice!!!

 

[Chirpy]

Hey mylilchix - Welcome to BYC and welcome to a fellow Coloradoan!

I used R19 insulation in the walls of my coop and my girls did just great through this last winter. Make sure, of course, that it's covered so they can't peck at it.

If the wrap you are talking about is Tyvex I wouldn't use it. Anything like that can cause condensation/moisture inside and that is deadly to your chickens. You need to keep the coop dry and ventilated but not moist and drafty.

 

[GallowayFarms]

It you have alot of mice and such using foam insulation might work better. The mice are less likely to build a nest in your walls.

here is a pic of it

Good Luck

Nick

 

[patandchickens]

Tyvek is not a substitute for insulation in any way at all. You can use fiberglas or rockwool batts, or rigid foam insulation board, whichever you prefer. Mice have a harder time burrowing into the latter but they *can* if they are really really dedicated. Make sure that whatever you use, it is panelled over on the inside so the chickens can't peck at it.

Insulation is DEFINITELY worth it in cold winter areas, b/c it allows you to maintain a decent temperature (like 20 F or so) while still having as much ventilation as possible. And you NEED good ventilation in the wintertime, just as much or more as in summer.

Have fun,

Pat

 

[catnip]

I'm building my chicken coop right now and I'm going to insulate. It gets below zero here in the winter and I don't want to deal with frostbite.

My father-in-law's coop isn't insulated, and his chickens have had frostbitten combs before. I figure it won't take too much extra time to insulate and panel the inside. If it helps prevent frostbite and keeps the water from freezing as often, I consider it time well spent.