[Greenbuilding] chickens

[molasses at q.com]

I have found that a clear roof is far more useful than an insulated roof. 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Erin Rasmussen" <erin at trmiles.com> 
To: "Green Building" <greenbuilding at lists.bioenergylists.org> 
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2013 3:06:28 PM 
Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] chickens 




I know the hens need some good ventilation, but I noticed the same thing with the ladies curling up in the nesting boxes in stormy and cold weather too. I have perches in my coop, and I have adjustable vents in on the bottom and the top edge of the roofline, but it seems to me that there may be some value in having an insulated roof what do you think? 



thanks, 

Erin 





From: Greenbuilding [mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of molasses at q.com 
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2013 1:34 PM 
To: Green Building 
Subject: Re: [Greenbuilding] chickens 




I did a fair amount of research on this when we built our coop and finally decided that insulating a henhouse is a bad idea (unless you want to put mechanical ventilation in, as well). The hens supposedly need airflow more than anything - partly because of the ammonia fumes, and partly so their combs don't freeze. Too little airflow and they'll get condensation on their combs, which can freeze. I tried insulating anyways - with straw and chicken wire - but realized after I did it that the insulation does NOTHING because I've got deliberately large holes for ventilation near the roof. Plus the straw settled... 





They really are fine in cold weather - they're wearing down comforters, after all. Buy the cold-hardy breeds. I've heard some people say that if you put a flat 2x in place of a round perch it'll keep their toes from freezing because then they can hunker down and cover their toes completely. 
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