How To Insulate A Chicken Coop for Wind, Rain and Snow

Winter in Wisconsin isn’t for the faint of heart—and that goes for backyard chickens too! Between freezing temps, howling winds, and snow piling up, keeping your flock safe and comfortable takes a little extra effort. But don’t worry—it’s totally doable!

After raising chickens through some brutal Midwest winters, I’ve learned exactly what works (and what doesn’t!) when it comes to keeping a coop warm without sacrificing ventilation. Proper insulation is a game-changer—it helps block out cold drafts while still allowing fresh air to circulate so your hens stay dry, warm, and frostbite-free.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to insulate a chicken coop for winter using simple, affordable materials. I’ll also cover why ventilation is just as important as insulation, and how to make sure your flock has the fresh air they need to stay healthy—even in the dead of winter.

💡 If you’re looking for more winter chicken care tips, don’t miss my full guide on Winter Chicken Care where I cover everything from keeping water from freezing to maintaining egg production in cold weather.

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Let’s get started! 🐓❄️

Supplies Needed To Insulate A Chicken Coop:

• 4 mil plastic sheeting – Creates a windproof barrier to keep cold drafts and snow out while still allowing light into the coop
• Heavy-duty staple gun & staples – Secures the plastic sheeting tightly to prevent it from shifting or tearing in strong winds
• Scissors or utility knife – Helps cut the plastic sheeting to the perfect size for covering the coop’s run and drafty areas

Step-by-Step Winter Coop Insulation Process

• Measure and cut the plastic sheeting to cover the run and any drafty areas.
• Secure the plastic using a staple gun, ensuring it’s tight so the wind doesn’t catch and tear it.

• Leave a ventilation gap at the top of the coop to prevent moisture buildup.
• Check for gaps where cold air might still sneak in, and reinforce those areas if needed.

Why Ventilation is Just as Important as Insulation

While wrapping your coop in plastic helps block wind and snow, ventilation is just as important—if not more! Chickens generate a lot of moisture just by breathing, and their droppings release ammonia. Without proper airflow, this moisture can build up inside the coop, leading to frostbite, respiratory issues, and dangerous ammonia buildup.

The key is finding the balance between blocking cold drafts and allowing fresh air to circulate. You want to seal off direct wind exposure while leaving ventilation gaps near the roofline to let moisture escape.

💡 Tip: In my coop, I make sure to leave openings at the highest points—like under the roof overhang—to allow warm, humid air to rise and escape while keeping my hens protected from harsh winter winds.

Why Ventilation Matters in Winter

• Prevents frostbite – Moisture buildup inside the coop causes frostbite, especially on combs and wattles.
• Reduces ammonia buildup – Chicken droppings release ammonia, which can irritate their respiratory system.
• Keeps air fresh – Stale, damp air inside a sealed coop can lead to illness.

A well-ventilated coop helps your flock stay warm, dry, and healthy throughout the winter.

My girls are always very thankful for the extra warmth in the winter, especially when it’s snowy!…they like to stay inside all day!

Negative Degree Temperatures

While I do not supplement my coop with heat during the winter, aside from adding the plastic sheeting, on the days/nights when the temperature is below zero, I do add their baby chicken brooder near their nesting boxes. While this doesn’t provide a lot of heat, it provides just enough to keep them a little more comfortable.

👉 Want more Winter Chicken Care Tips? Check out my full Winter Chicken Care Guide for everything you need to keep your flock safe and happy all season long!