Chicken coop insulation

[tlj87]

My in laws are moving their chickens into an 8x16 building they bought used from a neighbor. My MIL wants it to be insulated. Can I just install fiberglass over that thin foil that is in there now (see photo) or should it be removed? I then plan to put OSB on the walls and paint for easier cleaning. Perhaps just leave the ceiling as is? Or should it be packed with fiberglass and paneled as well. Concerned about moisture. Thick plastic on the floor with stall mats on top of it. Any thoughts are welcome!

 

[seymojo536]

First thing, how many chickens are going to be living in it? What breed are they? Most of ours survive quite nicely without any insulation in their coops. Only ones we baby are the single comb breeds and the old english bantams, they get the warm room treatment. We keep them at 35 degrees so they don't freeze their combs and wattles. The bantams are tight feathered and can't take the below freezing temps. I would at least put OSB over the foil. Chickens love to peck at shiny stuff.

 

[forgeblast]

Get the plastic/laminated wood paneling and it will make clean up easier then osb. You can just hose it off if needed.

 

[GLyford]

They need a fair amount of ventilation, even in the coldest weather, so to some degree insulating heavily doesn't accomplish much.

Make sure the roosting bars aren't metal so their feet don't freeze (I used 2x2's).

 

[tlj87]

I believe they have between 12-15 chickens. All different kinds.

 

[Billrog]

Because of condensation I wouldn't insulate over the tin foil. If it were my chicken coop I'd most like just sht. the walls the way they are.

 

[tlj87]

It sounds like they still prefer insulation. That being said, should I pull the foil off the walls and used faced insulation or leave it up and use unfaced?

 

[Ford850]

You'll get all sorts of recommendations when it comes to vapor barriers like that. Similar to how the rules have changed back and forth for insulating basement walls. I'd leave it and insulate over it. But you will definitely need ventilation. Vents on both end walls, and/or a eave or roof vent.

 

[TSO]

Chickens don't need insulation for the winter. Just keep them enclosed, with adequate ventilation but, make sure your ventilation doesn't produce a "wind tunnel" effect that allows it a straight shot thru the coop.

Another beneficial tactic is to use the "deep litter" method, which is what we do... Instead of cleaning out the coop, cover up their droppings with another layer of wood shavings, straw, and some diatomaceous earth. This will allow it to naturally compost and generate heat inside the coop. Each week, add another thin layer. In the spring, clean it out and add it to your compost pile!

Otherwise, just keep their water thawed ... and they'll be just fine. Oh make sure their nesting boxes are cozy and protected, they like to be comfortable in there.

 

[runharley52]

Deep little method is the way to go... During the winter I have to add shavings every few weeks as they're inside more. Otherwise, I might add once a month or even less often. No smell, adds heat in the winter, and it makes amazing compost.

 

[Scooby074]

They dont need insulation.

I have a heat lamp that I turn on below -20*C-ish. But they dont even really need that until its even colder. Biggest thing is to ensure their water flows and that there is no drafts. They can deal with the cold, but the drafts are much harder on them it seems, so my coups arent insulated, but they are pretty draft tight while still leaky enough to allow air inside for oxygen.

Use chicken nipples and be sure to add a bucket heater so youre not out there smashing ice a couple times a day. Bucket heater is money well spent 250W Cast Aluminum De-icer | Princess Auto

 

[TSO]

They dont need insulation.

I have a heat lamp that I turn on below -20*C-ish. But they dont even really need that until its even colder. Biggest thing is to ensure their water flows and that there is no drafts. They can deal with the cold, but the drafts are much harder on them it seems, so my coups arent insulated, but they are pretty draft tight while still leaky enough to allow air inside for oxygen.

Use chicken nipples and be sure to add a bucket heater so youre not out there smashing ice a couple times a day. Bucket heater is money well spent 250W Cast Aluminum De-icer | Princess Auto

We had a problem last year when it got real cold, with the nipples freezing, which caused a slow drip and more ice build up.

After trying different fancy winter water setups, we have ultimately gone to a very simple solution that has been effective. That is, a rubber water/feed bucket (low profile livestock style) with a tank heater sitting inside.

Also keep in mind that chickens need up to 14 hrs of light per day to maintain their egg cycle. So, pick up a decent programmable timer, set it with a light to go on a few hours before sunrise (then off at sunrise) ... Then to go on again at sunset for another couple hrs.