Jessi Rhea

I bet that could be a niche market: dog wool insulation. My dog is short haired (Presa Canario) so alas that's not an option. I've seen those whole fleeces for sale around here too, but straw is cheaper. I'm trying to go as nearly free as possible, as you can see by the patchwork construction of my coop. Only thing we had to buy was nails.

Well that's good news. I had a feeling it wasn't such a big deal, but I'd read advise about electric coop heaters and such and was a little worried. We've had chickens in warmer climates before so this will be a little new. I think the breeds my mother in law is giving me are whiting true greens, novogens, and cinnamon queens. Hadn't heard of any of those breeds before. Later I'd like to get some buff orpingtons and some other heavier breeds.

But yes, the ventilation I hadn't really accounted for. I think I need to tear out a few boards around the top and put in some wire mesh or chicken wire, or something stronger. Lots of foxes and weasels around here. I've read you need significant ventilation for winter, something like 10 sq ft of vent for 10 birds. That seems like a lot though.

I guess I'm a little late to the party, but that Arched Cabin mentioned above is what my husband and I are doing right now. We're not experienced builders, but if you're willing to learn the basics it's pretty straightforward. The building department had some concerns about the insulation product that comes with the kit, but it's no problem to just do your own conventional insulation instead, which is what we're going with. All you have to do is put in a foundation and subfloor, and erect the kit on top. You do have to do regular stick frame walls on the two flat ends, but it's not as big a deal as framing out a whole house. It's a really sturdy design. The steel frame and Gothic arch design is resistant to strong wind, snow, etc. We're in the building process now and still learning, but I'd be happy to answer any questions about it. You can see it at ArchedCabinsLLC.com .

Hi everyone! First time posting. I'm just finishing up my chicken coop, it's basically a 12'x12' wooden shack. I made it big enough for a larger flock down the road, but at first we're just going to start off with 10 hens that my mother in law is giving us. The winters can be unpredictable here in Southern Oregon, so I want to make sure they don't freeze to death if we get in the sub-zeros.

I'm currently lining the walls and ceilings with cardboard, and my plan is to do another layer of cardboard over that, with about 3-4" space between, that I'll stuff with straw for insulation. Ill also do a deep bedding system, building up layers of straw on the floor till it's maybe 1' - 1.5' thick. Has anyone done anything like this? We're off grid, with minimal solar, so supplemental heating would be difficult. Any other ideas for keeping chickens warm in winter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!