Reducing coop heating costs

This article is especially relevant what with the rising costs of energy bills. While you can't make winter any shorter or any warmer, you *can* do a few things to reduce the energy used to heat your coop. We found the following information very timely, courtesy of our favorite poultry resource website: poultryOne's Guide to Raising Chickens.

Rapid increases in the cost of fuel have forced broiler producers to reassess
their energy conservation practices. Most of the energy used in poultry
production is for brooding. Adverse weather conditions can favor survival
needs before productivity. Growth rate declines, while feed consumption rises. Respiratory disease problems are more prevalent because of reduced air quality. Utility costs increase, even while the grower tries to maintain comfortable house conditions. The following management tips suggest points to consider when evaluating energy programs. These tips can help producers lower energy usage and costs.

Insulate Houses

Keep the poultry house and equipment in a good state of repair and make changes, if necessary, to prevent excessive heat losses. Insulate poultry houses to provide a minimum thermal resistance (R-value) of R-12 in the ceiling and R-8 in exposed walls. Replace or repair insulation damaged or destroyed by birds, rodents, and insects.

Install/Maintain Vapor Barriers

The R-value of most insulation materials decreases drastically when moistened. Installing a vapor barrier on the insulation's warm side protects against moisture saturation. Seal tears and damage to exposed vapor barriers.

Stop Air Leaks

Eliminate drafts by sealing air leaks and wall cracks. Uncaulked sill plates are the most common source of uncontrolled air entry. Seal cracks with expanding polyurethane foam. A 1/8-inch crack along both sides of a 500-foot house is equivalent to 10 square feet of open wall or a 2-foot section of sidewall left uncovered.

Seal Curtains

Repair all curtain holes and eliminate cracks between the curtains and house. Curtains must fit close to the wall and cover the entire sidewall opening. Seal bottoms of curtains with a tack-strip. Install pocket flaps over the tops and ends of the curtains to reduce uncontrolled air entry. Cracks around the curtains also hinder ventilation control.

Weather-Strip Openings

Thoroughly weather-strip
all door openings against air entry when doors are closed.

Monitor Control Devices

Clean and check timers and thermostats for accuracy. If they cannot be adjusted or repaired, replace them. Usually, a thorough cleaning is all that is necessary to restore use of the devices.

Control Water Wastage

Reduce litter moisture by properly ventilating. Repair leaks in waterers and water lines. Leaking water systems require additional heat to evaporate spilled water. Check the pressure regulator and filters for cleanliness and proper adjustment.

Ventilate Properly

Adjust ventilation so it meets the needs of the birds and house conditions. There is no need to overventilate, but watch for any sign of stress that needs immediate attention. Excess litter moisture in the house requires valuable energy for moisture evaporation and removal.

That's not all! Finish the article here.

By Tom W. Smith, Ph.D., Extension Poultry Specialist

Information Sheet 1617
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with www.usda.gov U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress,
May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director

Copyright by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved.

This document may be copied and distributed for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.