Should I insulate?

[trashcan79]

New shed going in this week that I'll convert to a coop as it warms up. My question is should I insulate, and if yes, with what?

It's an 8x8 wood shed that I'll use as a coop and storage area. As installed, it's bare framing, so I can do whatever, but whatever I do (if anything) I'd like it to be economical! I'm in Colorado SPrings

Your suggested are welcome!

 

[ColoradoPip]

I've had a small flock in the Denver area for 4-5 years with an un-insulated coop. I'm building a new coop and have no plans to insulate.

Do you "need" to, no. People raise chickens in Alaska, Minnesota, and Canada among many other much colder places. It's most economical to not insulate because you aren't buying anything.

If you want to insulate, that's ok too. In the end it's really up to you, the birds will be fine either way.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Insulation if you have proper ventilation is not only moot but it provides great hiding places in the wall cavities for rodents.

Given where you live I would not insulate.
People in the far north with -30°F temps may need to but here in Colorado we do not.

 

[Ted Brown]

Insulation is a complete waste of time and money IMHO.

I am up in the Great White North eh, our temperatures in winter average -10-15C and can get as low as -30C, we have had three multi day sessions of -20-22C this winter. I have 15 birds in a Woods 10' by 16' and they are just fine (a few frost bit tips 1/8"). They do tend to snuggle a bit more in the extremes.

Spend your time and money on making certain you have no drafts, great ventilation and critter proof.

 

[Jedstar]

New shed going in this week that I'll convert to a coop as it warms up. My question is should I insulate, and if yes, with what?

It's an 8x8 wood shed that I'll use as a coop and storage area. As installed, it's bare framing, so I can do whatever, but whatever I do (if anything) I'd like it to be economical! I'm in Colorado SPrings

Your suggested are welcome!

You should leave some air vents or mesh windows so the coop can breath. Probably different weather. I'm up in Darwin Australia. Tiwi islands. Its hot and humid up here.

 

[trashcan79]

Yup, A couple of high vents are permanent. Then I also have several sliding windows with screens to modulate temp, humidity, etc. But curious on the insulation part.

 

[aart]

Yup, A couple of high vents are permanent. Then I also have several sliding windows with screens to modulate temp, humidity, etc. But curious on the insulation part.

Save your money. Not only would you have to buy insulation, but also inner sheathing to keep the birds from eating the insulation.

Spend your time and money on making certain you have no drafts, great ventilation and critter proof.

Ditto Dat!!

 

[Jedstar]

I would just tac some sheets of tin or wood on as walls and a roof. I use tin for my coop because we have termites up here. And a metal frame.

 

[Ted Brown]

I would just tac some sheets of tin or wood on as walls and a roof. I use tin for my coop because we have termites up here. And a metal frame.

A caution is required here - depending on climate metal can cause condensation and dripping. Not a desirable trait for a coop.

 

[Jedstar]

A caution is required here - depending on climate metal can cause condensation and dripping. Not a desirable trait for a coop.

Yeah I've mentioned on certain places in the world. Hence me saying I used tin because I have termites up here in Northern territory Australia.I also said probably different weather in my first thread. Alkgood mate your right. But I think there's no need for insulation in a chicken coop.