New coop/insulation question/idea............

[Dr.Doorlock]

As a newby, I am very glad to have this forum. We are planning to get chickens next spring. Since we live in Texas, I will be building the run and coup while it is cool enough to work outside. The heat is one of our first concerns. The temp tops 100 in the summer for 7 to 60! days. I'm already planning a roof made of Ondura, a corrugated product with a natural chimnet effect. What other suggestions do any of you have to keep my chickems from loosing their cool?

Can someone also tell me what size hardware cloth to use as a floor with a slide-out panel underneath for easy cleaning? I am thinking of 1/2" square spacing, but I am not sure what size would be best for to keep their talons from hanging up when they walk of the roost.

Thank you

 

[jasonak]

Here in Alaska chickens can make it through the winter without heat or insulation but they are probally not to happy.My parents raised them and they would sometimes have chickens missing toes in the spring from frostbite,they didnt insulate or heat them the first few years they raised them.They have since changed there ways.I have qutie a few chickens and am using deep littler method as well as heating the coop.I insulated it pretty well(r-19 roof r-13 walls and vapor barrier) and have a electric radiant heater in there.The temp was about 20 degrees here today and it was about 65 in my coop which is 12x24 I like my birds to be happy

Its supsoe to drop into the single digits tonight. I know that they can make it throught really cold winters without any heat or insulation,but if you can give them either Im sure theyed be alot more happy.

 

[Faye]

Over 110 degrees for weeks here... it's MURDER!!!

I'm trying to figure insulation for heat.... maybe a small fan inside ???

Definitely doin' the wire mesh raised floor (with foundation on wheels) Not sure what kind to use but I've heard the half in at least 'cause it's easier to clean.

The SOLVIVA book says chickens produce so much heat, that she was able to capture the heat to heat her home. I wouldn't worry 'bout the cold as long as you get the cold hardy breed. It's tryin' to find a heat tolerant (nice) breed that's hard.