Topic of the Week - Insulating the Coop

[BYC Project Manager]

Keeping the coop warm without sacrificing ventilation is tricky. This week, let’s discuss coop insulation and temperature management. For example:

• What materials do you use for insulation in the coop?
• How do you prevent drafts while ensuring enough fresh air for your flock?
• Do you use any temporary winter barriers around the coop, like curtains or windbreaks?
• What’s your take on adding insulation inside versus outside the coop?

Anything else you'd like to add.

For a complete list of our Topic of the Week threads, see here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archive

 

[Debbie292d]

Our main coop is a remodeled Amish shed, insulated, and heated to 40F with an oil-filled radiator heater. We don't need to do anything.

We have to something about a late hatch though that's in a pen with a hutch that's got a cozy coop flat panel heater in it. I was going to run into the dollar store in town to get some clear shower curtains but hubby wants to build a shelter over top. I'll wait to see what he comes up with first.

Thus, I'll be back later when we've got this winterized!

 

[aart]

Keeping the coop warm without sacrificing ventilation is tricky.

In short, it's impossible...and the coop doesn't need to be "warm".
Let's not perpetuate falsehoods.
Insulation is a haven for rodent habitat, and worthless in all but the most frigid of climates(sustained double digit negative F's).

 

[Sefirothe]

I have a shed converted to chicken coop. It has a plywood sheathed roof with metal roof panels over the plywood.

There’s no shade currently for the coop.

We opted to use foam board insulation on the roof only to keep heat down in the summer. The chooks have no access to reach the foam to eat it and there’s no gaps or access for rodents.

Max summer temps inside the coop dropped by about 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit after the insulation was added.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

No insulation here and no heat other than a heated water bowl. I did wrap their run partially with shade cloth for a wind break should they choose to sleep outside (secured run at night) Mine seem content in cold weather and even run around in the big yard when it’s snowing.

 

[saysfaa]

This week, let’s discuss coop insulation and temperature management. For example:

• What materials do you use for insulation in the coop?

None other than the coop is built of wood.

• How do you prevent drafts while ensuring enough fresh air for your flock?

Three-sided building. No drafts because wind has no outlet. Fresh air because warm air rises gently which slowly pulls fresh air in the bottom of the open side. It is enough fresh air even though it comes in slowly because the opening is so big - 28 square feet for three to five hens.

• Do you use any temporary winter barriers around the coop, like curtains or windbreaks?

No.

• What’s your take on adding insulation inside versus outside the coop?

Neither are helpful for most situations. The exceptions being arctic conditions (colder than the upper midwest gets), some summer conditions, and metal roofs on purlins that don't come with a lining to prevent condensation on the underside. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archive

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

Build a wooden coop and cure any drafts. Then fill it with breeds truly appropriate for your area. I'm in Alabama and my RIRs flourish here summer and winter. Summers I use a screened door and winters a solid one. I do close the window when the temps drop below freezing. That's it. On our coldest mornings the waterer inside the coop never freezes. On wintery days my Reds play in their run trying to catch the snowflakes.

 

[Ted Brown]

• What materials do you use for insulation in the coop?

I live on the Quebec-Ontario border, winter temps average -15C/5F with colder periods below - 30C/-22F. No insulation.

• How do you prevent drafts while ensuring enough fresh air for your flock?

I researched thoroughly and found the Woods design for a "fresh air" coop. Works as advertised.

• Do you use any temporary winter barriers around the coop, like curtains or windbreaks?

No. I do use tarps around the covered run areas except on the southern front where I use clear plastic sheeting 5' wide.

• What’s your take on adding insulation inside versus outside the coop?

Don't use insulation at all.

 

[Appalachickens]

None other than the coop is built of wood.

Three-sided building. No drafts because wind has no outlet. Fresh air because warm air rises gently which slowly pulls fresh air in the bottom of the open side. It is enough fresh air even though it comes in slowly because the opening is so big - 28 square feet for three to five hens.

No.

Neither are helpful for most situations. The exceptions being arctic conditions (colder than the upper midwest gets), some summer conditions, and metal roofs on purlins that don't come with a lining to prevent condensation on the underside. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archive

I'm glad to see this. I'm putting a three sided coop in an awkward location that only allows for a width of 4 feet, so the coop will be 4 X 12, 6 feet tall. The open south-facing side, then, will be 24 SF - do you think I need any ventilation other than that?

 

[saysfaa]

I'm glad to see this. I'm putting a three sided coop in an awkward location that only allows for a width of 4 feet, so the coop will be 4 X 12, 6 feet tall. The open south-facing side, then, will be 24 SF - do you think I need any ventilation other than that?

I don't think you will need more ventilation than that but 4' deep is very shallow for its height and width. It may work much better as far as airflow if you add a solid dividing wall in the middle. How many chickens do you have?