Is Insulation Needed?

[llamagirl]

Would insulation be needed in Western NC where the temperature even in winter usually remains above -10 degrees? I am trying to make a chicken tractor and want to make it as lightweight as possible. Also 1/4 inch plywood vs. 1/2 inch? What would the problems be?

 

[Schroeder]

You'll end up loving your girls and then you'll be sorry if you didn't insulate. The pink foam insulation is light weight and has a high R value relative to its thickness.

 

[finallychickens]

Be very careful with insulation. They love to eat the blue foam board kind. I guess they would like the pink kind as well. I had a nice insulated coop and had to rip all the insulation out or cover it with pieces of cardboard. Didn't seem to hurt them when they ate it, but it can't be good! Diane

 

[skooterbumm]

my coop is corigated tin, should i insulate the walls? i live in Texas and we get 4 or 5 days in the 30's on average

 

[patandchickens]

For a tractor in W NC, you don't *need* insulation, but it will make your life a lot easier (in a tractor especially -- b/c you will [hopefully] be having somewhat proportionately more airflow than you'd need in a full sized coop). I'd do it. For a tractor I'd use foamboard covered with thin plywood or thin panelling or that sort of thing.

For a tin coop in TX, the main value of insulation would be just to prevent condensation on those few days when the temp gets down near freezing. I'm not sure it's worth it. It never *hurts* to insulate of course, but I'm not convinced you'd get much value out of it. Doubt it'd keep the coop any cooler in the summer -- shade and/or ventilation would be much more helpful for that.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[llamagirl]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I always find everyone so helpful on this forum.

 

[skooterbumm]

OK thanks for the input I just need one more question awnsered.... what is the difference between drafty and ventilated?