Whether you are trying to keep your chickens cooler in the summer or warmer in the winter, these insulating tips can really make a difference not only by making your chickens more comfortable but it also lowers the cost of heating and cooling, and keep in mind a happy chicken is healthier and lays better eggs.
Types of Insulation:
Tin: Covering the roof and walls of your hen house with tin can keep your hen house much warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer as long as it is not in direct sun. Using a tin canopy placed over and above the coop and run can give the coop shade and give your birds cool places to walk and sit during hot summer months.
Hay: You can use hay bales around the outside of your hen house or coop during winter months. Hay retains heat. Most adult chickens can generate body heat up to 107 degrees and can survive during very cold temperatures as long as they are covered from wind and drafts, have plenty of fresh water and lots of feed. Chickens can generate heat in their bodies by grinding their food which means your feed bill will be higher during the winter months if you live in a cold climate. The more chickens you have the warmer they will be, however it is important that you do not overcrowd your birds as this will cause them stress which comes with a whole host of other issues such as feather picking, irritability, and bullying.
Plastic
You can use heavy plastic to cover coops and runs in the winter months but it should be removed during warmer seasons as your chickens will get too hot, however you must make sure that there is adequate ventilation in the coop, so your birds do not develop respiratory diseases or infections.
Old feed bags
Old feed bags can be used to insulate chicken coop walls in an emergency situation.
Polycarbonate panels
Polycarbonate panels used for greenhouse plants can offer your chicken coop/hen house attractive protection from the cold.
You can use various types of insulation to suit your needs but keep in mind that all walls that are insulated need to be covered by tin, wood or very heavy plastic or other type of non toxic wall covering so that your chickens do not peck at the insulation. The more chickens you have the warmer they will be. Bantams, Silkies, and most smaller and exotic breeds may need more heat than standard size breeds. It is important that your chickens are not exposed to the elements especially while roosting at night. Make sure your coop blocks the wind from your birds. If the hens get wet or cold they will lay less eggs. If you live in an area where temperatures drop below 32 degrees F you should consider insulating your chicken coop or hen house and even adding a heat source. See signs of frostbite you should use some type of insulation and/or heat in your chicken coop/hen house.
Important note: Whatever type of insulation you decide to use, make sure your chickens do not have access to it and never use fiberglass insulation.
Types of Insulation:
Tin: Covering the roof and walls of your hen house with tin can keep your hen house much warmer in the winter months and cooler in the summer as long as it is not in direct sun. Using a tin canopy placed over and above the coop and run can give the coop shade and give your birds cool places to walk and sit during hot summer months.
Hay: You can use hay bales around the outside of your hen house or coop during winter months. Hay retains heat. Most adult chickens can generate body heat up to 107 degrees and can survive during very cold temperatures as long as they are covered from wind and drafts, have plenty of fresh water and lots of feed. Chickens can generate heat in their bodies by grinding their food which means your feed bill will be higher during the winter months if you live in a cold climate. The more chickens you have the warmer they will be, however it is important that you do not overcrowd your birds as this will cause them stress which comes with a whole host of other issues such as feather picking, irritability, and bullying.
Plastic
You can use heavy plastic to cover coops and runs in the winter months but it should be removed during warmer seasons as your chickens will get too hot, however you must make sure that there is adequate ventilation in the coop, so your birds do not develop respiratory diseases or infections.
Old feed bags
Old feed bags can be used to insulate chicken coop walls in an emergency situation.
Polycarbonate panels
Polycarbonate panels used for greenhouse plants can offer your chicken coop/hen house attractive protection from the cold.
You can use various types of insulation to suit your needs but keep in mind that all walls that are insulated need to be covered by tin, wood or very heavy plastic or other type of non toxic wall covering so that your chickens do not peck at the insulation. The more chickens you have the warmer they will be. Bantams, Silkies, and most smaller and exotic breeds may need more heat than standard size breeds. It is important that your chickens are not exposed to the elements especially while roosting at night. Make sure your coop blocks the wind from your birds. If the hens get wet or cold they will lay less eggs. If you live in an area where temperatures drop below 32 degrees F you should consider insulating your chicken coop or hen house and even adding a heat source. See signs of frostbite you should use some type of insulation and/or heat in your chicken coop/hen house.
Important note: Whatever type of insulation you decide to use, make sure your chickens do not have access to it and never use fiberglass insulation.