Renovated Coop - Insulate the floor or skirt the bottom?

[AlaskaGrown]

I inherited a coop (8X12) from the neighbors and renovated it with a new roof, floor and nesting boxes. The coop is on an axle and sits about 2 feet off the ground. It can get pretty cold here in Alaska in the winter, but not as cold as the interior or north (0-40 F for 4 months, rarely below 0 for more than a few days at a time). I am wondering if I should insulate the floor with spray foam insulation or put a skirt around the bottom of the coop? I am leaning toward foam based on the ease and time. The ground is unlevel where the coop is currently at (the coop is leveled on pier blocks), and skirting 12x8x2 feet would be rather expensive and time consuming. Any thoughts? I can post some photos if it would help.

Cheers and thanks for the replies. We are excited to get chickens again (its been 4 years).

 

[jthornton]

I'm guessing your near Anchorage area? Chickens need ventilation so the moisture from breathing and pooping can escape. Did your neighbors successfully have chickens through the winter in that coop?

I was born on King Salmon Island a long long time ago and lived up there 3 times so I know the weather in southern Alaska.

JT

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Don't use foam if the chickens can ever get to it.