Keeping chickens in Eastern Ontario, Canada, means dealing with extreme seasonal temperature variations. Summer temperatures range between 75°F and 90°F, while winter nights can drop as low as -30°F.
Given these conditions, designing a well-insulated, practical chicken coop was essential for keeping our flock safe, warm, and healthy throughout the year.
Why This Plan Works
- Proper Insulation: 3.5 inches of Styrofoam ensures warmth in winter.
- Spacious Design: 27 square feet of coop space and a 66-square-foot run for five chickens.
- Efficient Ventilation: Prevents moisture buildup while maintaining warmth.
- Easy Maintenance: Elevated coop allows simple cleaning and access.
- Integrated Heating System: Keeps water from freezing in extreme cold.
What You Will Need
- Insulation Material: 3.5-inch Styrofoam sheets
- Framing Lumber: 2x4s and 2x6s for walls and structural integrity
- Exterior Sheathing: OSB (oriented strand board) and vinyl siding
- Roofing Material: Asphalt shingles
- Ventilation System: Timer-controlled fan and ducting
- Heating Element: Thermo Cube outlet and enclosed light
- Electrical Components: Timer for lighting and ventilation
- Windows: Plexiglass for insulation and natural light
How to Build the Chicken Coop
Step 1: Constructing the Floor
The coop floor is 30 inches off the ground, allowing space for storage and preventing rodents from burrowing underneath. The floor consists of two sheets of OSB with 3.5 inches of Styrofoam insulation sandwiched between them. Later, a plywood layer was added for durability, as OSB alone is not rigid enough for a coop floor.
Step 2: Framing the Walls
Using 2×4 and 2×6 lumber, we framed the walls, ensuring enough space for insulation. The pop hole (chicken entrance) was integrated directly into the framing for better insulation and protection from drafts. To prevent bedding material from blocking the door mechanism, a cutout section beneath the pop hole allows any debris to fall through.
Step 3: Installing the Sheathing and Siding
The OSB sheathing was applied both inside and out. The interior was coated with exterior-grade paint for durability, while the exterior was covered with vinyl siding, providing weather resistance and a polished look. A double-layer plexiglass window was installed, with a 3.5-inch air gap between sheets to help retain heat.
Step 4: Constructing the Roof
The roof is a simple shed-style design measuring 8 feet by 12 feet, providing 9-inch eaves at the front and back and 6-inch overhangs on the sides. This protects against snow and rain while allowing for proper drainage. Asphalt shingles were chosen for their affordability and availability.
Step 5: Installing Ventilation
Ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to frostbite in chickens. Our system includes:
- A fan on a timer that runs 10 minutes every hour
- Air intake vents placed along the ceiling, ensuring fresh air enters without creating drafts
- Ducting below the ceiling to shield the chickens from direct airflow
Step 6: Adding Electrical and Heating
To keep the coop warm during frigid nights, we installed a Thermo Cube outlet, which automatically turns on a trouble light inside a steel box when the temperature drops below 35°F. This heats both the water and the coop itself. Additionally, a timer-controlled light ensures the chickens receive 16 hours of daylight for consistent egg production.
Note: Since the light timer is meant for indoor use, we will monitor its performance in cold weather.
Other Important Details
- Chicken Run Size: 66 square feet, exceeding the recommended 10 square feet per bird.
- Cleaning Convenience: The elevated coop allows easy access for removing bedding and debris.
- Snow Protection: Roof overhangs and siding keep the structure dry.
- Secure Framing: Ensures protection from predators and strong winds.
Summary
Building a winter-ready chicken coop in Eastern Ontario requires proper insulation, strategic ventilation, and reliable heating.
By elevating the floor, integrating a heating system, and ensuring proper airflow, we created a safe, comfortable home for our chickens that will withstand extreme temperatures for years to come.
Whether you live in a cold climate or just want a durable, low-maintenance coop, these design principles will serve you well.
This plan is a contribution by [PaulJoynes].
Joseph Hudson has been raising chickens for over 15 years. In 2018, he completed the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. He currently raises over 1400 chickens on his 7.5-hectare farm. He keeps sharing his experience on raising healthy and happy chickens on Chicken Scratch The Foundry.
