Winter Coop Design

[FeatheredFamily6]

Hi all!

I wanted to ask for some quick advice about winterizing my chicken coop. The run is fully wrapped in construction plastic and good to go, but I’m unsure about the coop itself. I left about 1/4 inch open on the front window for ventilation and I kept the top vents and some back ventilation open as well. I did not insulate the coop yet. Should I? And if so, what’s a safe, non-toxic material to insulate it with?

Another issue: the chickens are choosing to roost up on the top bar near the open Windsor’s right in the draft—rather than on the main roosting bar where all the ventilation is safely above their heads. What should I do about that?

My main questions are:

A) Should I insulate the coop?
B) If they’re choosing to sleep in the drafty spot instead of the protected one, does that mean they aren’t actually cold?

Also I am located in the New England area so it gets pretty cold.

Thank you!

 

[DobieLover]

Should I?

No.

What should I do about that?

Staple chicken wire from the collar ties to the rafters on each assembly. Then tie strips of torn sheets or surveyors' tape along their lengths so the chickens can clearly see they no longer have a solid surface on which to land.