Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[vickiw]

I am not sure if you looked at the design, or the picture was not very good, but it is pred proof and draft proof..The front is open, to the air and sunshine, not predators. Some use sliding windows, and hard wire. Others use just hard wire. It is like a sun room attached to the south side of a coop.

thank you Delisha! no, I didn't see the "sunroom". I am definitely checking that out closer!!!

 

[kjgoodman]

Hi and Welcome SHorty!!

I am in Menomonie and my coop is not insulated either. I have covered up where most of the drafts are and have an area of their run that has a sort of deck over them. I put plastic around the base to keep them out of the wind, but they can go out in their open pen too. I do have some frostbite, but the one that got it has a large comb... the rest seem fine.
I also put a light in the coop. I don't think it gives off much heat, but they seem to like the set up.

 

[chikenscratch]

Welcome shorty. I am in SE Wisconsin and have no insulation just a waterer that plugs in.

Oh if only I could afford this house 26625 1st st brighton wi. It would be perfect.

 

[Terri O]

Good near afternoon! That house is really nice looking ChScratch! It is near my BFF's place. She has been trying to get me to move down that way for a LOOOONG time; but over 7 grand in taxes? WOW!
I made some GF oatmeal cake with broiled coconut frosting last night--MMMM! So yummy! My Grandma used to make this cake and I am so happy it worked with my GF flour mix I made. Today I am attempting Molasses cookies this afternoon with the kids. Should be "fun." LOL!

I guess we wont be hearing too much from Sir Jim anymore...seems like he is enhoying his new-found freedom a lot! Bumming? I havent heard that since my Granny was alive! LOL! She was always "going out bumming."

Well...would love to chat but did too much of that already on my "cooking group" so I better get a bit accomplished now BKA. (before kids arrive

)
TerriOlovingthesunhereforsure

 

[cchase25]

I agree, I am in Oconomowoc, and I think heavy insulation is overrated, if your coop is tucked away from open winds I think that venting is the key. I haave found that in a really severe cold snap a few strategically placed stops -- still vent... does the trick. I created screened windows with sliding plexi to cover them in the winter... also a few roof vents. Staying dry and vented is better than warm and damp.

 

[irishrovr]

Hi! I'm new here, too, and I am finding the discussion on winterizing most helpful! My chicken house is half of the milk house and it's not insulated. It's probably 16X20' with some cracks around one of the windows and a few openings for ventilation at the eaves. I'm getting two hens tomorrow and probably more next week. I'm hoping the two girls will keep each other warm in that large space until more arrive mid-week!

A comment on the price of land mentioned - the 4 acres next to me (near, but not on or really close to the Crystal River) is for sale at $10K an acre. Just pasture land with no trees. I'd be shocked it it sold for that much.

I'm glad this is an active and interesting Wisconsin thread! Thanks!

Eileen - Waupaca

 

[cchase25]

I am in Oconomowoc!!

 

[cuties]

...

Hi!  I'm new here, too, and I am finding the discussion on winterizing most helpful!  My chicken house is half of the milk house and it's not insulated.  It's probably 16X20' with some cracks around one of the windows and a few openings for ventilation at the eaves.  I'm getting two hens tomorrow and probably more next week.  I'm hoping the two girls will keep each other warm in that large space until more arrive mid-week!

A comment on the price of land mentioned - the 4 acres next to me (near, but not on or really close to the Crystal River) is for sale at $10K an acre.  Just pasture land with no trees.  I'd be shocked it it sold for that much.

I'm glad this is an active and interesting Wisconsin thread!  Thanks!

Eileen - Waupaca

 
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Hi Eileen! Do you know what other breeds you might be getting next week? I hear things are supposed to be warming up but we can't bet on that!!!!

 

[Shorty81179]

I want to thank everyone for the welcomes and the advice. It's good to know that I don't have to go insulation crazy to keep my girls alive. I will let everyone know what we do now that I have some better wisconsin information.

 

[NDchickens]

I am in Boyd. About an hour west of Wausau. Last year we insulated really good around the coop. Still had the vents up by the roof. Our RIR rooster got frostbite pretty bad. Over the summer we built a second coop and made a few more vents on top, etc. This winter we didn't insulate either coop, except for the shavings and straw inside and, unless it's really frigid, we don't close the door they go in and out of. Plus we have a lamp in there with a 100 watt light bulb in each coop. No problems with frostbite this year and they seem very happy.