Should I insulate?

[gjoyner]

Just so you know globing warming doesnt necessarily mean WARMING...its changes in the weather...so..jsut because it gets cold in doenst mean there isnt global warming. ugh..
Also..how do you know what Zone you are in? how do you find out?

 

[jkmiller826]

There is a hardiness zone map available through the USDA:

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

 

[gjoyner]

I couldnt out what Zone denver was in. I like that quote you have by the way.

 

[jkmiller826]

Thanks - chicken power is one of our solutions...

Check out the Arbor Day website and enter your zip code:
http://www.arborday.org/webtools/hortzones/ziplookup.cfm?RegID=473

 

[gjoyner]

my zone is 5-6 what does that mean for me and my chickens?

 

[Centaurheart]

I'd definitely insulate. I live in WA state and we have no where near the weather extremes you do, but this last winter at my house I had 31 inches of snow (I have pics!!!) and it was crazy cold. We couldn't believe it.

Also, when you have a planet heating up, scientists claim (for all they really don't know about it) that global warming means more extreme weather... hotter hots, colder colds, more intense storms with bigger pathways etc.

I'd just put myself in the chickies shoes and ask if I'd want a nice snug warm coup in the winter. Insulation in the summer could keep it cooler too.

 

[jkmiller826]

Your climate is an aggregate assessment of years of weather data and your hardiness zone is all of that info, including highs, lows, precip., etc., boiled down into one number. I live in zone 4, CT coastal area. It means my temps. drop to -10 at worst (usually only with wind chill).

In terms of climate change (global warming is too narrow a moniker), scientists continue to analyze weather data and over time, well after it's too late to change our habits, they will be able to definitively tell us if our climate did, in fact, change. Meanwhile, because scientists are a cautious, methodical bunch in a world where "theories" take decades to develop, we have been tricked by those who wish to maintain the status quo into thinking that Climate Change is a theory like the Grassy Knoll theory or a theory on why choosy moms choose Jif. And so the public can feel justified to dither away, racking up debt to drive gas guzzling autos, eat 3000-mile salads and accumulate loads of plastic crap from China. But I digress...

In practical terms, think about the coldest nights you've had in the last 10 years. Was it very' cold? If the answer is yes, then insulate.

 

[patandchickens]

With no drafts, deep bedding, lotsa food and well chosen chicken breeds, you do not NEED to insulate but IMO it would be a pretty good idea. For sure you would not regret it.

There is no downside to insulating, aside from the cost of materials (which can be scrounged if you work at it) and relatively modest amount of labor. Occasionally, insulated wall spaces can become a mouse farm, but TIGHT carpentry and good choice of insulating materials will pretty much avoid that.

So, I'd recommend it, but technically you can get chickens through your winter without it if you really *have* to.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[vermontgal]

The downside of not insulating is that you may end up using a heat lamp. The cost of electricity isn't going down. A little time & materials insulating pays back in lower energy costs. It's easy to spend $20-30 a month on electricity in the winter. You can often get reused insulation on craigslist for free (just make sure it is not moldy - note that fiberglass insulation traps dirt/dust which causes black coloring that is probably not mold).

If you have a larger flock (I'm talking 20), you don't need to worry so much about insulating unless you are really somewhere cold (zone 2?). The chicken body heat should keep this number warm in zones 4-6 provided your coop is well constructed / not drafty.

 

[WisconsinGardenChick]

patandchickens said:

With no drafts, deep bedding, lotsa food and well chosen chicken breeds, you do not NEED to insulate but IMO it would be a pretty good idea. For sure you would not regret it.

This sounds like good advice to me. I'm another of those in Wisconsin, and deliberately chose larger breeds (2 BRs and 2 RIRs). Also plan to use deep bedding. We've debated back and forth over insulation and finally let our extension agent have the last word.

His recommendation? To insulate both the ceiling and walls. However, he added the caveat that ventilation was important, that excessive moisture can be more of a problem than frostbite.

Wisconsin Garden Chick
http://www.backyardnestegg.blogspot.com/​