Need insulation ideas!

[blackacres]

I would suggest covering your insulation with a board similar to horse stall panels. it's easy to clean and no edges for them to pull insulation out of

That is a great idea. Thank you!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

0 is WAY too cold for Seramas. I already know I need to ventilate and make some repairs to the shed. Those are not my questions, hence why I didn’t ask about them. I do appreciate it being added for people who don’t know these things though.

Insulation and ventilation work to cross purposes. But if you need supplemental heat for your Serama, I would definitely recommend a heat plate for both safety and efficiency over a radiant heat design like a heat bulb. While cheaper, the fire hazards are much greater and the efficiency is much lower. What you save in start-up costs will likely be consumed by electricity requirements overtime. If you do go the heat bulb route, might I suggest creating a surface with high thermal Mass the heat bulb points at so that it will tend to retain heat even if the power goes out, you have an unusually biting wind in just the wrong direction, or you have a massive temperature swing and no time to adjust the bulb height

 

[blackacres]

I would definitely recommend a heat plate for both safety and efficiency over a radiant heat design like a heat bulb. While cheaper, the fire hazards are much greater and the efficiency is much lower.

Thank you! Heat lamps terrify me. I only use heat plates and even those are used sparingly.

 

[WonkierZulu]

I have a way to supplement with heat. I’m more trying to figure out an affordable way to insulate so that I have to use less supplemental heat. I was looking at rolls of fiberglass insulation. Did you cover the insulation after placing it?

Yes cover it in the walls with plywood osb, free pallet wood etc they eat that insulation. Sweeter heaters are nice and don't have to worry about them burning down the shed.(plug then into a thermocube) ventilation is the most important imo and I have seramas that are fine in the cold it got 19 here last night with a high of 28. Also I have snow they seem fine. Have a serama momma with 7 babies and they are all alive in there own coop. As long as they get acclimated they should be ok.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Thank you! Heat lamps terrify me. I only use heat plates and even those are used sparingly.

If you were going heat bulb, I'd suggest pointing it at one or two of the slab sided 5 gallon water cans or similar, and using some pvc off those to provide water to your birds inside the coop, so they do dual purpose - slow temperature changes in the coop/provide a heat source in case of power failure, while at the same time ensuring their water doesn't get frozen if you have days below freezing while they are stuck inside.

and as I raised CX in hot humid FL, though the breed is poorly suited to it, I won't inquire why you chose Serama for your climate - though at least you aren't in Michigan or the Dakotas. KS seems sort of "border-ish" - freak years can be real concerning - but on average, shouldn't be too much time spent deep in worry.

 

[azygous]

You must cover insulation or chickens will pluck it out. I covered the walls with particle board and anywhere that the insulation was still exposed, I tacked quarter inch hardware cloth over it. It's guaranteed that any exposed insulation will get plucked and pecked by your chickens.

 

[Banana01]

Hey y’all! I picked up a used 8x12 shed this weekend that will house my breeding Seramas. I need ideas on how to insulate. I live in KS so our Winter temps can reach 0 and occasionally, even lower. Ideally, I’d like to be able to keep it above 32*F and will supplement with a heat source when needed.

What is your preferred method of insulating? Deep litter isn’t an option for breeding Seramas as they are in row cages and don’t spend a lot of time on the floor because all their out of cage time has to be heavily monitored for breeding purposes.

EDIT TO ADD: I am very aware of the importance of ventilation and the repairs and adjustments that need to be made. Those things will be done. This post is specifically asking about insulation because Seramas need to be kept above freezing temperatures.

View attachment 2941917

Dont you just want to use a foil backed insulation panel on the interior, and cover it interior paneling or redwood panels? As you know, you will also need to install really good vent system so the moist air can rise and escape. But first a antifungal treatment of the wood before putting the panels. You already have the cavities to place the insulation and panels.

 

[blackacres]

I have seramas that are fine in the cold it got 19 here last night with a high of 28. Also I have snow they seem fine. Have a serama momma with 7 babies and they are all alive in there own coop. As long as they get acclimated they should be ok.

That is very comforting to hear! I would much prefer to acclimate them and provide supplemental heat when the temps are frigid. It’s hard to find anyone willing to discuss the actual hardiness of Seramas. Most just say keep above 40F but can’t back up their response, or aren’t willing to. That is one of the reasons I love BYC. I am always up for learning!

 

[WonkierZulu]

Seramas are pretty hardy for the size of bird. Predators though that's a different story

 

[blackacres]

@U_Stormcrow I just want to apologize for being snappy on my earlier response. I know you were only trying to help and I appreciate it. Sorry for my momentary fit of brattiness.