Insulating a chicken coop

[Jamie0317]

We're turning an 8 x 8 farm style shed into a chicken coop. I live in Michigan and our weather can get really cold sometimes. I need to know how to insulate our shed. I already have rolled insulation in it. It isn't packed from one beam to the next is it supposed to be?

 

[wamtazlady]

No insulation required. I live in NW Montana. Got down to -22 last winter. No insulation. No heat. A 6 by 8 foot coop that has about 10 square feet of ventilation under the eaves that is never closed off. Pop door is open as the run has clear shower curtains on 3 sides to keep the wind out. The girls prefer being outside all day no matter how cold it is. I know this is going to be difficult to believe. It was for me a few years ago too, however, I decided to believe the members here who have colder weather than I do. A dry chicken is a warm chicken. Conversely, a warm chicken is a dry chicken. Get the moisture from their breathing and pooping out of the coop. Closing up the coop will cause frostbite. Vent your coop. Get that moisture out. I even keep their water in the run so it doesn't add moisture.

If you have rolled fiberglass insulation already in the coop you'll need to make sure the bird's can't get to it. The paper backing on that stuff will not stop a chicken. Also, mice can get into that insulation and make themselves a warm home for the winter.

For winter water this article is about the best around. It compares the various types of waterers and which work the best.

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/diy-chicken-waterer-3-compared

 

[lazy gardener]

I would avoid insulation. Good place for mice and rats to hang out... and yes, they will find a way, even if the insulation is well secured between outer and inner sheathing. Also good place for mites to hang out and multiply.

If your building is well built, it will be draft free. By far, your biggest challenge is going to be seeing to it that you have enough insulation. It's recommended that you have about 1 s.f. of ventilation in coop per bird. In your coop, that would translate to around 16 s.f. of ventilation. Cover all of those ventilation openings with 1/2" hdw. cloth to make your building predator proof.

 

[aart]

We're turning an 8 x 8 farm style shed into a chicken coop. I live in Michigan and our weather can get really cold sometimes. I need to know how to insulate our shed. I already have rolled insulation in it. It isn't packed from one beam to the next is it supposed to be?

Welcome to BYC from another Michiganian!

Insulation is really not necessary....it can be a rodent and insect haven.....and you have to protect it from the chickens access.
As already mentioned....Ventilation is much more important than insulation.

Ventilation without strong drafts at roost area can be tricky.
Posting pics of your coop can garner you some advice on that.

 

[lazy gardener]

I would avoid insulation. Good place for mice and rats to hang out... and yes, they will find a way, even if the insulation is well secured between outer and inner sheathing. Also good place for mites to hang out and multiply.

If your building is well built, it will be draft free. By far, your biggest challenge is going to be seeing to it that you have enough insulation. It's recommended that you have about 1 s.f. of ventilation in coop per bird. In your coop, that would translate to around 16 s.f. of ventilation. Cover all of those ventilation openings with 1/2" hdw. cloth to make your building predator proof.

My friend aart pointed out a big blooper! See above bold print. Meant to say: By far, your biggest challenge is going to be seeing to it that you have enough VENTILATION.

Thanks, aart!!!

 

[aart]

Thanks, aart!!!

Sure, you could have just edited your post

 

[CapricornFarm]

My friend aart pointed out a big blooper! See above bold print. Meant to say: By far, your biggest challenge is going to be seeing to it that you have enough VENTILATION.

Thanks, aart!!!

Yeah, i noticed too, but i am picky, lol.