Barn Isulation

[wallpejl]

I have a 24x36 metal pole barn we built this summer. We are trying to figure out the best way to insulate it. We were looking into spray insulation, but I was worried my bunnies and birds would eat it. We have a boiler to heat the barn, I just want to keep the heat in the barn. Thoughts?

 

[EggWalrus]

Where are you located? Unless you live above the arctic circle, most chickens won't need an insulated barn. Ventilation and a draft free coop is more important than insulation. Not sure about the rabbits though.
If you live below the Antarctic Circle, you won't need insulation either, they raise penguins down there!

 

[wallpejl]

I live in Southern Indiana. I used heat lamps and wrapped their coops with a moving blanket and then a tarp to keep it dry.
I have chickens, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, and guineas in the barn.

 

[EggWalrus]

I live in Southern Indiana. I used heat lamps and wrapped their coops with a moving blanket and then a tarp to keep it dry.
I have chickens, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, and guineas in the barn.

Other than rabbits (not sure) they should all be fine without heat lamps or insulation add long as they have good ventilation and their barn is draft free. Birds can fluff up their feathers to stay warm below freezing as long as there is no wind or drafts blowing on them directly.
In some cases, insulation can cause a build up of humidity which is really bad for your birds in cold weather.
Some others will chime in by tomorrow with more advice. Can you upload pics of the metal barn?
Talk to you tomorrow!

 

[FortCluck]

I wouldn't do insulation unless it's covered up instantly. I put in insulation and was planning on covering it today with plywood, the ducks ate some of it before I even had a chance to cover it.

Animals are a live and learn process...

 

[2hotchicks]

I live in Southern Indiana. I used heat lamps and wrapped their coops with a moving blanket and then a tarp to keep it dry.
I have chickens, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, and guineas in the barn.

Hello from Columbus, Indiana! I have only 2 pullets so I have insulated my little coop.

 

[wallpejl]

I wouldn't do insulation unless it's covered up instantly. I put in insulation and was planning on covering it today with plywood, the ducks ate some of it before I even had a chance to cover it.

Animals are a live and learn process...
View attachment 1945038

What kind of insulation do you use?

 

[wallpejl]

Hello from Columbus, Indiana! I have only 2 pullets so I have insulated my little coop.

What did you insulate with?

 

[aart]

I have a 24x36 metal pole barn we built this summer. We are trying to figure out the best way to insulate it. We were looking into spray insulation, but I was worried my bunnies and birds would eat it. We have a boiler to heat the barn, I just want to keep the heat in the barn. Thoughts?

Ventilation is way more important than 'holding heat'....for chickens for sure and probably for rabbits too. Heating the barn is not needed and would be expensive with the ventilation needed.

In your climate insulation is not necessary, except because of the metal building maybe on the roof so condensation doesn't form and drip on the animals.

@wallpejl Please post some pics of your barn inside and out.

 

[2hotchicks]

What did you insulate with?

It's called Reflectix (Lowe's). It's very difficult to puncture, which made installation a pain for me, but my birds don't bother it at all. Of note, the insulation was in place when the girls arrived.