Should I insulate?

[Jedstar]

All good

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Your coop needs shade, great ventilation, window openings on the south side preferably, and safety for the birds.
Insulation is tricky! I do like it for the roof, more for summer sun and overheating, than for winter cold. Birds will eat any type, so it must be covered with plywood or something, and then you have a nice cave for rodents to colonize. Be very careful if you do anything that involved double walls, for that reason!
We had to tear out our wall insulation a few years ago because of mice and then rats. Don't bother with wall insulation for that reason!
We do have more than one layer of exterior wood siding! Plywood or boards, covered in additional siding, and that helps here too.
Pictures! Post pictures!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Also, select breed types that do well in cold weather. Most of them will have smaller combs and wattles, and be a bit fluffy. Look at Henderson's breed chart, feathersite, and some of the catalogs, and have fun!
Mary

 

[Building Bridges]

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!

Welcome to BYC!! This is a great place to come with your questions and just to mingle with folks who also like to "think chickens" . You'll find a great depth of knowledge here and lots of folks willing to share their expertise. I am also a newbie and I'm also here to learn and make decisions about my future coop. You asked a question that I've been considering too since my coop will be in Connecticut. It seems like a "no brainer" to insulate...but it turns out it's not necessary and potentially a problem! That will save us some $$
Any way....we are so glad you joined us and just know you will be glad you did.

 

[Jedstar]

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.
[/QUOTE
Here is my coop I built

 

[Folly's place]

@Jedstar , good for you!
It would be a total disaster here in Michigan though. Snow! Humidity! Weasels and rats! Different climates need different coop solutions, for sure.
Mary

 

[CindyinSD]

I live at altitude (a mile) in western SD. My hens spent last winter in an uninsulated metal tool shed (10x12). It was a super wet winter but no condensation after I added gable end vents. I only opened the doors on days when it was above 0* Fahrenheit, and they were closed many days, all day. I got a few spots of frostbite on some of the single comb girls which doesn’t seem to bother them, either at the time or now. The main cause of frostbite is humidity rather than cold, or so I’m told. If you haven’t yet bought your chickens, consider those with rose or pea combs.

Regarding your windows... make certain you don’t have your roosts positioned so as to cause a draft on the birds as they sleep. I use 2x4 boards, broad side up, so they can easily sit on their feet to keep their toes warm.

It sounds like you intend to use only part of your shed for your birds. Please keep in mind that chickens confined to their coop for long periods by inclement weather need more space. I wouldn’t plan for less than 10 sq ft per bird in my climate. Plus... if you order from a hatchery, be aware that they WILL send extras (who ime always survive at least the trip to your door and typically well beyond). If you want only 3-4, you’re better off to request your farm supply to special order the breeds you want or buy from a local breeder.

 

[Jedstar]

Yeah it all depends on where you are in the world and what kind of breed of chook best suited to your area. Everyone is right with there comments.

 

[Jedstar]

I'm finding it interesting looking at everyone's comments.

 

[Jedstar]

@Jedstar , good for you!
It would be a total disaster here in Michigan though. Snow! Humidity! Weasels and rats! Different climates need different coop solutions, for sure.
Mary

Is that an ixworth rooster in your profile pic