Newbie here - Pointers appreciated

[B'villechicken]

Quote:
There's no problem using conventional insulation in a coop. You need to put some type of paneling on the interior surface to prevent the birds from ingesting it. I opted for 3/8" plywood because I got a deal. You could use anything EXCEPT drywall as they will pick at it if it gets damaged. If you are concerned about dust etc infiltrating the fiberglass, put a vapor barrier up prior to paneling. Usually this is heavy mil plastic.
The solar gain idea is a good one. Also, raise your chicken door (pop door) and people door at least 6" - 12" above the floor to allow deep litter for the winters. That way the shavings or whatever you use will not spill out when you open the door.
Good luck, there is alot of good advice here.

David

 

[patandchickens]

I missed the insulation thing the first time 'round:

Insulation is NOT going to give you mold or mildew unless you have done something wrong, like your coop is insufficiently ventilated and too humid or you've used some *especially* moisture-retentive mold-prone material for insulation, like crumpled newspaper or hay. Stick to normal insulation materials (batts or rigid foamboard) and build the coop right and ventilate it well (yes, even in the cold weather) and you will get only benefit, not harm, from your insulation

B'villechicken :

Also, raise your chicken door (pop door) and people door at least 6" - 12" above the floor to allow deep litter for the winters. That way the shavings or whatever you use will not spill out when you open the door.

This is most excellent advice, for ANY climate really

Even 18" off the hard floor surface is by no means too high.

And I would add, have the popdoor on the south side of the building if at all possible, to minimize the number of days when you have wind from a direction that'll blow straight in the popdoor. If you absolutely have to locate the popdoor elsewhere, you sort of can, but you can't keep wind out of the coop AS well that way as if it's on the S side.

Pat​