New chicken owner-first coop- to insulate or not?

[Meweber]

Hello! We just built our first coop, 8x9’ wood/plywood construction with shingled roof, have two vents and a nonfunctional window.
Question is…do we need insulation of some sort? Live in mid Missouri. Summers get extreme humid into 100s hot and winters can be very cold below freezing but typically not for long if at all. Most of the year is tolerable temps.
Also, we have the coop screwed onto 6x6s which are partially dug into the ground to level the structure out. Was debating on putting some sort of hardware cloth/wire mesh on the dirt floor with plenty of sand and/or shavings on top. Worried about critters digging under potentially. Any advice or thoughts are appreciated! Thanks

 

[nuthatched]

Nope, you don't need it at all.

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Definitely don't need insulation. It would get extremely hot in the summer.

 

[mowin]

Insulation is just a invitation for pests to make a nest. Not needed in your climate. Ventilation, I think you need more.
You mentioned you have two vents? How large are they? You need 1sqf of permanent ventilation per bird. Ventilation is extremely important in hot weather so they don't overheat, and in cold weather so the moisture from their breath and poop can escape to avoid frost bite on the combs.
Can you post pics of your coop?

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC. If you put your general location into your profile people can give you better targeted advice when climate matters.

If you have adequate ventilation in your coop insulation is a moot point.

Here's my article on hot weather chicken keeping: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hot-climate-chicken-housing-and-care.77263/

 

[SeaCity]

Because of rats, we had to dig up the run & put hardware cloth down, so happy we did!

 

[Meweber]

Insulation is just a invitation for pests to make a nest. Not needed in your climate. Ventilation, I think you need more.
You mentioned you have two vents? How large are they? You need 1sqf of permanent ventilation per bird. Ventilation is extremely important in hot weather so they don't overheat, and in cold weather so the moisture from their breath and poop can escape to avoid frost bite on the combs.
Can you post pics of your coop?

Thanks for the advice. We have two vents at up high at each end of the coop about 1sq ft large each. I’ll consider putting another vent somewhere. We will have an attached large outdoor run so they can escape the enclosed coop. I’ll attach a pic soon

 

[aart]

Any advice or thoughts are appreciated!

Pics of your coop, all around and inside and out would help us help you.

We have two vents at up high at each end of the coop about 1sq ft large each.

You're going to need more than that.

Live in mid Missouri.

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Hi, welcome to BYC. I also live in MO. Your coop is elevated off the ground? It needs to be varmint-proof. Think snakes and rats. Hardware cloth is a good idea, at least around the perimeter and extending out at least a foot from the walls all the way around and up the walls maybe half a foot. Make it tight. Leave no openings even an inch in diameter. Then you don't need hardware cloth on the whole floor. IMO anyway. Secure the perimeter. Good luck!

 

[3KillerBs]

We have two vents at up high at each end of the coop about 1sq ft large each.

You'll need a lot more ventilation for a space that size to keep it from turning into a rotisserie.

This is how you want your airFLOW to move: