???? Insulation?????

[CoyoteMagic]

I've got all kinds of things going on right now. On top of planning a move, I'm in the process of building a coop/tractor something like the one on the BYC homepage.

I'm am using some salvaged deckboards that someone pulled up from an old deck. (I've got enought to build 4 coops!!) These are pretty hefty 1X6 boards. (I'm gonna need a moving crews just to move this thing!!) Question is will I need additional insulation. The interior of the coup will be something like 2X4 not including the height of 3 ft plus another 18in into the roof peek Roost running the width of the plus nest box on one side suporting one side of roost. I'm thinking of 3 but not more than 4 birds for those nights when it gets a tad nippy. They will have access to the enclosed yard all day long.

I'm moving to Laurens, SC where the winter temps are normals of in the 50's for highs and 30's for lows.

Whatcha think?

 

[AK-Bird-brain]

I wouldnt worry about it, just make sure they can perch where there are no drafts. If they get chilly they'll huddle closer. Were lucky to get up into the 60's in the summer time here and our girls do just fine.

 

[MTchick]

I wouldn't do insulation, but it might be hard to get used boards to fit really snug. You might consider buying some heavy caulk and running a bead along the edge of each board as you build the coop. That way you won't have any drafty cracks, and the caulk will be where the birds cannot get to it. Caulking later on might result in the birds pecking at it and eating it.

This is assuming that you are not putting siding on it, of course. If you are siding it, you can put a vapor barrier (like Tyvek sheets) or just leftover tar paper up between the boards and the siding. That will prevent drafts really well.

-MTchick