How to insulate your chicken coop

 

Knowing how to insulate your chicken coop can keep your hens warm in winter.  Chickens will grow a new set of feathers to keep them warm and insulated for winter.  Feathers trap warm air against their bodies and they huddle close together to share body heat.

 

Chickens do well in non-insulated coops during summer or in warm climates but in harsh winters they need warmth.  They could stop producing eggs if they are not kept warm and some could die if they are too cold.

 

One cheap method of insulation is cardboard.  Using large sheets of cardboard on the inner side of your coop would be more than adequate.  Alternatively use old towels and blankets alone or with cardboard.  A large panel of Styrofoam on the roof is also a good, cheap option.  Note that Styrofoam insulation should be placed out of reach of hens so they don’t peck it or ingest it.

 

You can also adopt the “Deep Litter” method wherein you layer pine shavings or bales of straw up to about 4 inches on the floor of the coop to minimize cold air that may come from the ground.  Placing more “fluffy” hay around so they can snuggle in is also helpful.

 

Proper ventilation is another key factor in insulating your coop.  It is not so much as letting air in but more about letting moisture out.  An accumulation of moist air in the coop during the cold months can lead to frostbite on their combs and wattles.

 

Chickens also like to roost to keep themselves warm.  They naturally roost together and fluff their feathers to keep themselves snug.  A roost that is above the ground is perfect.