What a helpful crew we have here! I was going to say, I have a stack of yellow Purina Start and Grow bags in my garage. They are dusty, but could be used.
Whoever said they peck the foam board 100% correct. In fact, I have read from some to use styrofoam chunks in the winter to keep the birds from pecking at each other when they are bored. They can eat it but it passes through? I know they like pecking at it because I had some accidentally get in a brooder pen this summer.
Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about it getting too cold in the coop, but make sure it is DRY! and ventilated, but not drafty. Chickens can stand the cold, even those Wellies. The problem they have is when they dip their wattles in the water to drink and those can get some frostbite on them. The combs hold up pretty good if they are kept dry. Some believe that putting Vaseline or Bag Balm on their combs will protect them. You must have to use a generous coating and do it often then, it never did much for mine.
Whoever said they peck the foam board 100% correct. In fact, I have read from some to use styrofoam chunks in the winter to keep the birds from pecking at each other when they are bored. They can eat it but it passes through? I know they like pecking at it because I had some accidentally get in a brooder pen this summer.
Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about it getting too cold in the coop, but make sure it is DRY! and ventilated, but not drafty. Chickens can stand the cold, even those Wellies. The problem they have is when they dip their wattles in the water to drink and those can get some frostbite on them. The combs hold up pretty good if they are kept dry. Some believe that putting Vaseline or Bag Balm on their combs will protect them. You must have to use a generous coating and do it often then, it never did much for mine.
