R15 insulation in Vermont?

[MshVT]

I have built my new coop and want to insulate with rockwool. The problem I’m finding is the only insulation available right now is R15. Is this enough for my coop? My plan is not to heat (except for extreme temperature drops) in the winter and the coop will not be drafty. Thank you for your advice.

 

[DobieLover]

I have built my new coop and want to insulate with rockwool. The problem I’m finding is the only insulation available right now is R15. Is this enough for my coop? My plan is not to heat (except for extreme temperature drops) in the winter and the coop will not be drafty. Thank you for your advice.

You don't need insulation AT ALL.
What you need to keep the birds warm in the winter is LOTS of ventilation in a very DRY coop and keep drafts that are strong enough to open feathers off roosted birds. Send them to roost with full crops and they keep themselves toasty warm.
Think like a bird, not a hairless mammal.

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC!

If you have adequate ventilation the use of insulation won't do anything but give rodents a place to live because the inside temperature and the outside temperature will be essentially the same.

Here is BYC's #1 article on keeping chickens in cold climates: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cold-weather-poultry-housing-and-care.72010/

 

[milkbuckets]

I also live in VT, have raised chickens for over 30 years and have never insulated or heated my chicken coop. There are no drafts that hit the chickens when it is closed up for the night, although there is ventilation from under the open rafters in the back of the roof all year long.

 

[RoosterML]

As others have said if your coop is nicely vented that will negate any insulation you will put in. I’m in CT with similar temp and humidity as you. Give them a nice draft free place to go and you will be good. Frostbite will happen depending on the breeds you go with no way around it.