Is coop insulation required?

[Little Chicky]

This is my first year in Illinois and I don't really know exactly how cold it gets, but I wouldn't think below 0. My coop will be attached to a shed and will be housing BO, BA and SLW hens. I've been hearing so many conflicting opinions on whether or not the coop needs to be insulated, so I just thought I'd ask here. Thanks!

 

[Amyable]

Are you in northern or southern IL? If you're near WI, it will get down to zero, maybe colder sometimes. I'd think the size of the coop would matter too. A little one would stay warm with body heat easier than a big coop.

 

[Reinbeau]

It's not the cold in the winter that'll get them as long as the coop is well ventilated and dry - it's the heat. I've noticed a huge difference inside the coop with insulation - it's a good 10 degrees cooler in there than out. I do think it's good in the winter to be well-insulated, but even more important during the summer when it's blistering hot out!

 

[fordmommy]

I'm in central Wisconsin. I deffinetly insulated. It gets cold and damp here. I think you should. If you don't you'll wish you had. If you were south of IL I'd say MAYBE you wouldn't have to, but....I really think you should. It doesn't take much time extra to do it. Better safe than sorry. Just my opinion.

 

[Little Chicky]

It's a small coop, and I live near Chicago.

I guess I should insulate then?

 

[patandchickens]

Required? No.

Desirable? Yes.

You and the chickens will be a lot more comfortable, and coop management will be easier, if you insulate. But with good management (and sensible choice of breeds) you CAN get by without it if you really want.

If you don't insulate, I'd suggest at least leaving the inside walls open so that if you change your mind in the future, or scrounge up a supply of cheap insulation, it will be very easy to convert.

Remember you do need good VENTILATION, though (yes, even in the middle of the winter), no matter whether you're insulated or not.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[fldiver97]

I am in WI, near Madison. I have a small coop, not insulated for my 5 girls. Brreds are hardy for this climate. I added a 4x8 partially enclosed run with a white PVC roof. I can enclose the run more for winter. The girls run loose in the yard for several hours every day. I am getting ready to change it all around though after having read a lot of the posts. This will be my first "chicken winter"......I am going to convert my 8x12 garden shed to a chicken coop and will insulate a bit. I will also put their current approx 4x4 coop inside the shed as they are used to sleeping in it and hopefully use the nest box in it.....I am going to get some windows later today and cut some ventilation holes in the upper part of the shed (will cover with hardware cloth) My plan is for dry, somewhat insulated shelter. I am not planning on providing heat only a light for winter. Maybe a heated waterer if freezing occurs. I will add an outdoor run to the shed, apprx 10x10 or so. I think insulation is a good plan but I am not so sure about using heaters....