Newbie in a couple of ways

[3HuBaNkS]

And I also already want more

There is one saying I've seen: Driving my husband crazy one chicken at at time.... So fits us (me).

 

[3HuBaNkS]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Ventilation is super important in cold climates. Chickens expel a ton of moisture through breathing and pooping and that moisture needs to go up and out or it will fall back down as frost chilling and giving frost bite. So make sure you have air going in one side vent and out the other. 1/2 square foot per bird of vent space, in the eaves of your roof. On windy nights you can close off some vents, but never close them all. Good luck and welcome aboard!

So what about insulating the walls? Should I, Shouldn't I? I think the board on the outside of the house is 3/4 inch thick. Any thoughts on winterizing a coop in Wisconsin?

 

[3HuBaNkS]

Your hen house is SO CUTE!!! Welcome! I have my first chickens, too! They’re younger than yours- thinking first eggs will be Nov/Dec.

By the way....love the name of your coop!

 

[TwoCrows]

So what about insulating the walls? Should I, Shouldn't I? I think the board on the outside of the house is 3/4 inch thick. Any thoughts on winterizing a coop in Wisconsin?

No I wouldn't insulate. You want them to adapt to cold temps or they will never be able to go outside without freezing to death. Chickens can tolerate temps below zero as long as they are dry. Chickens stuck inside their coop all winter are susceptible to respiratory ailments, so it does them good to go outside on nicer winter days. So I would not insulate.

 

[3HuBaNkS]

No I wouldn't insulate. You want them to adapt to cold temps or they will never be able to go outside without freezing to death. Chickens can tolerate temps below zero as long as they are dry. Chickens stuck inside their coop all winter are susceptible to respiratory ailments, so it does them good to go outside on nicer winter days. So I would not insulate.

Thanks so much for responding! I did get the cold weather birds, Barred Rock, ISA Brown, Production Red, and a Silver Laced Wyandotte so I'm hoping that helps me (us) through our first winter.

 

[TwoCrows]

Thanks so much for responding! I did get the cold weather birds, Barred Rock, ISA Brown, Production Red, and a Silver Laced Wyandotte so I'm hoping that helps me (us) through our first winter.

Yes those are all hardy weather breeds. They should do fine. And if you have further questions come winter, feel free to ask in our Coop forums or our Managing your Flock forums for more help.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Welcome to the forum. You will love it here! Your coop is gorgeous!

 

[Isaac 0]

Hello, and welcome to BYC!

 

[3HuBaNkS]

You have such a pretty coop!

Thanks - I love to landscape so this was a really fun project for me to set up the hen house.

 

[drumstick diva]

So glad you joined us at Backyard Chickens, the place for fun, friendship and FACTS about poultry.