Keeping the Coop Warm in the Winter

[ValerieJ]

where i live it can get to minus 50C in the winter (-58F) in the wind chill.

we insulated the coop and use one of them wall heaters.

Ever have your electricity go out?

 

[woodmort]

A -50 wind chill isn't a problem for chickens, they're smart enough to stay out of the wind.

 

[SilkieNation]

Straw (not hay - straw has hollow stems) is a good insulator. R-50 for straw bails. If you have a big coop, you can build them a straw bail retreat. I have a big coop. I insulated it (pink stuff) and sealed all of the cracks. In the winter I hang blankets (curtains, sort of) over the windows at night and I use a heater, or whatever they are called near where they sleep. My girls are getting on in years and I guess I spoil them (oh well). They love their straw hut - they go in there at night and peep and tweet and snuggle themselves to sleep. They much prefer their hut to a roost. Only thing is - you need to clean the nighttime poop up daily, at least I do. Clearly, this set up would not work for anything but a small flock.

One might even consider building a straw bail coop!