Temp in coop

[Zobot0110]

Should the temp in the coop be the same as outside temp. I guess I was thinking it would be higher. I have a hydrometer to monitor humidity as well.

 

[saysfaa]

Yes, chickens keep themselves warm by warming the air under their feathers not by warming the air outside their feathers.

 

[Zobot0110]

Ok. I worry so much (first time I’ve had chickens). Thanks for the reassurance

 

[aart]

Should the temp in the coop be the same as outside temp. I guess I was thinking it would be higher. I have a hydrometer to monitor humidity as well.

Pretty much, yes.
With adequate ventilation the temps and humidity should be very close inside and out.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Should the temp in the coop be the same as outside temp.

In normal circumstances they should be pretty close. That indicates you have decent ventilation, which is good.

But don't be surprised to see some differences, especially in severe weather changes. A lot of that may depend on the severe weather change and how your coop is built. For example, if your coop is on the ground and you have a strong cold snap, the soil may act as a thermal mass and give off enough heat to warm your coop some. The reverse can happen in a heat wave. It can be noticeable.

Also, insulation in the walls or roof can reduce radiant heat loss or gain. You still need good ventilation to get moisture out. I probably just freaked some people out by mentioning insulation. Chickens can sometimes eat insulation so I'd protect them by covering it so they can't eat it if I installed it. Mommy Mouse can, might occasionally, sometimes will build a nest in there and raise a family. It happens. But especially in sever hot or cold climates it can make a noticeable difference, even with good ventilation.

Personally I avoid insulation for chickens. There are potential downsides. Chickens can generally handle the temperatures with good ventilation and good wind protection until you get into severely cold (basically Arctic) conditions. What many people consider cold doesn't faze chickens.

 

[Zobot0110]

What would you consider artic and then what should I do

 

[saysfaa]

Arctic is colder than -20F (-30 C) for weeks at a time. Dipping that low for a few days a couple of times per year is not arctic. This is not a definition - it is enough colder than most of us imagine getting to give us some perspective.

The colder the climate is, the more important ventilation is. And being draft free. And acclimating the birds (exposing them to cold so they develop more of the tissues that generate heat - the bird version of brown fat in mammals). And providing water so they have plenty of blood volume to flow through their combs. And so on. There are some people from the Peace River area, northern Scandinavia, Alaska, and similar places who come here or have posted here that can help more.

 

[Zobot0110]

It was 10 here last night. I have seen -35 so trying to think ahead and be prepared.
Thank you for your help

 

[Mamilo]

I am also a newbie and like you have a thermometer and hydrometer in my coop. My coop is insulated and has lots of ventilation above their heads in the soffits. I’m not worried about the cold, as they will be protected from drafts and wind. I will mostly be monitoring the humidity. If the humidity level in the coop is very close to the humidity level outdoors, that means moisture generated from the chickens is evacuated adequately and should help prevent frostbite. Good luck with your chickens and their fist winter!

 

[saysfaa]

Ah, yes, that is cold. I don't know enough to be of too much help myself.

This thread may help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-before-the-arctic-air-arrives.1497128/page-2

Both the info in it, the links in it, and you can look for other threads by the people who posted in any of them.