new chicken coop

[credmond]

i bought a 4' x 8' plywood shed (in GREAT condition) to convert into a chicken coop.

1. should I use insulation inside of the coop? I'm from Michigan - cold winters,

2. how many windows are adequate?

3. how many ventilation openings are adequate?

the breeds i bought are supposed to be good for cold weather, i just want to make sure they are happy and healthy!!!

 

[Dar]

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[Vcomb]

1. you shouldn't need to insulate so long as you use bedding and the walls are draft free. I've got friends in MI and WI with chickens who don't use insulated coops and their birds get along just fine. A tip would be if you feed twice a day throw whole corn in the late feeding as the digestion of whole corn produces extra body heat.

2. Number of windows depends on how much natural light you want in. a solid row across one of the long sides of the shed should do.

3. ventilation is very important, but the amount you need depends on how many birds you have in there.

 

[Newguyontheblock]

This is more a question than reply, I am running about 40 hens and a rooster. Currently they are happy in a 15 x 15 pen with 2 small lean to's. They are happy and are about 2months old. The question is, How much space will I need to add as they get bigger and older? And how big of a coop am I going to be looking at building? Any help will be appreciated.

 

[Pullet Pimp]

Quote:
As much as you are willing to give up and can afford is best. The general rule is 4 sq ft per bird for standard size for a coop and 10 sq ft of run per bird. So for you 164 sq ft coop minimum and 410 sq ft of run. If you can afford and are willing to build bigger that would be better.