The Chicken Care Blog

Concrete is a very common material used in backyard chicken coops. While concrete offers durability and strength, its use in chicken coop construction has several environmental consequences.  Here is a closer look at the various environmental impacts of using concrete in chicken coops. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cement production accounts for about 8% of global CO2 emissions . Using concrete for chicken coops contributes to this. Producing just one cubic yard of concrete emits over 200 lbs of CO2 . A typical 8 x 8 ft chicken coop foundation can use 2-4 cubic yards of concrete. This means a single backyard chicken coop can be responsible for 500-800 lbs of CO2 emissions just from the concrete alone. Energy Consumption Concrete production requires immense amounts of energy for cement manufacturing and transportation. The energy used to produce concrete for chicken coops depends on: Cement manufacturing process (wet vs dry) Transportation distance of cement Mixing methods...

Having a well-insulated chicken coop is crucial for keeping your flock healthy and productive during cold winter months.  Proper insulation helps regulate temperatures inside the coop, preventing your chickens from getting too hot or too cold. It also reduces drafts and condensation that can lead to moisture buildup and respiratory issues. When choosing insulation for your chicken coop, it’s important to consider eco-friendly options that are safe and healthy for your chickens.  Many conventional insulation materials contain toxic chemicals and fibers that can irritate your chickens' respiratory systems.  Eco-friendly alternatives provide the insulation properties you need without exposing your flock to harmful substances. Here are some of the top eco-friendly insulation options to consider for your chicken coop: Straw Bales Straw bales make for an inexpensive and readily available insulation option for small to medium-sized chicken coops.  Straw has excellent in...

Having a well-insulated chicken coop is one of the best things you can do to keep your flock healthy and productive throughout the year.  Proper insulation regulates temperatures, prevents drafts, and creates an overall more comfortable environment for your chickens. Read on to learn all the ways insulation benefits your birds. Regulating Temperatures Temperature regulation is one of the key benefits of an insulated coop. Chickens are cold-hardy birds, but they still need protection from extreme cold. Insulation prevents the interior coop temperatures from matching the frigid temps outside. In winter, it’s ideal to keep the coop interior above 32°F. Temperatures between 32-45°F won’t kill healthy chickens, but they may stop laying eggs. An insulated coop will easily stay 10-20 degrees warmer than the exterior. The warmer environment will keep your chickens comfortable and productive. Conversely, insulation also keeps coops cooler in summer. Chickens can withstand heat, but they...