winterizing coop

[hcarol]

Hello chicken lovers,
I had chickens several years ago. I have not had chickens again until this spring. My coop is old and made from 1x4 and 1x6 boards with a metal roof. Over the years the boards have shrunk and I want to make it warmer so I want to know if it is safe to use tar paper on the outside of the coop to block out the wind. I want to know if the products used in making tar paper would be harmful to the chickens. The coop is well ventilated but the cracks in between the boards from shrinking will let in to much wind.
Any information anyone can give me will be greatly appreciated.
hcarol
ps I'm new at communicating this way, hope I'm doing it right (I'm not very technical)

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC I'd probably use 6mil plastic around the bottom to close off the drafts yet give it plenty of ventilation above the birds.

 

[hcarol]

Hi and welcome to BYC I'd probably use 6mil plastic around the bottom to close off the drafts yet give it plenty of ventilation above the birds.

Thanks for your thoughts on this matter.

 

[rjohns39]

My pleasure. Many more will likely comment. All are good ideas.

 

[21hens-incharge]

A few questions if I may. I know others would be asking these anyway.

What state are you in?
What breeds of chickens do you keep?
How big is the coop?

Those are the basic questions.

If your coop is fairly tall having some gaps up high is great ventilation. So long as they can roost belly any drafts it works to prevent frostbite.
Like rjohns39 said six mil plastic would be a better choice.

Tar paper tears easily and BOY how chickens could make a party out of that!

I have 6mil covering my run for winter. Pretty sturdy stuff.

I increase airflow by raising the sides. Today we are very warm here but will have rain in 48 hours. The girls prefer a dry run.

 

[chickens really]

We insulated my Coop with pink insulation and plywood ...Not sure what your coop is like?