What insulation should I use?

[Alaskanchickengrower]

So I'm building a coop/pen for my goats and chickens (half and half so they wont be mixed and nasty). Since I live in Alaska I want to be sure they are pretty well insulated. I've been looking into denim but I've heard its not very effective... Does anyone know if there is a livestock friendly insulation out there?

Thanks!!!!

 

[aart]

A long as they can't access it, anything will be fine.
If they can reach it they will peck at it unto destruction.... and ingest it.
You really don't want them eating any insulation be it fiberglass, foam, or denim.

Not sure if there's an AK chat thread, but @Alaskan will know

Where in Alaska are you, I know temps can vary greatly depending on location.

Oh, and... Welcome to BYC @Alaskanchickengrower!
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Alaskan]

So I'm building a coop/pen for my goats and chickens (half and half so they wont be mixed and nasty). Since I live in Alaska I want to be sure they are pretty well insulated. I've been looking into denim but I've heard its not very effective... Does anyone know if there is a livestock friendly insulation out there?

Thanks!!!!

What art said...
Where generally are you located? Are we talking prolonged -10, -20, or -50??

Huge differences across the state.

Also... humidity. Places in the interior can use netting on run tops and snow never sticks. But I am on the coast.. so snow just sticks.


And also x2 on any insulation you use will have to be covered. BUT there are so many little rodents in Alaska... you HAVE to make the walls rodent proof or they will quickly turn into rodent condos.

Anyway, sadly eventhough there are lots of chicken owners in Alaska.... no one posts on the state thread here on BYC. Most of them chat on the Facebook page Alaska Flock Talk.

 

[Birdsong 82]

I’ve heard of people angle reply means using the double wall plastic. I’m not necessarily recommending just heard a lot of talk about it and maybe something you could look into

 

[Alaskan]

double wall plastic.

Huh? Not sure what you are talking about.

There is one insulation that is like foil lined bubble wrap... that would maybe be chicken proof. Probably doesn't give much insulation though.

 

[Alaskanchickengrower]

@Alaskan I’m in Wasilla and yeah I asked around on different pages and no one really had any answers I assume most people just use what ever they can to keep their animals warm up here haha

 

[Alaskan]

Wasilla isn't too bad cold wise.

Do make sure you keep the rodents out of the walls!

I lined my one fancy coop with hardware cloth... and that has worked.

 

[llombardo]

Why not just put up plywood on both sides and insulation in between?

 

[Alaskan]

Why not just put up plywood on both sides and insulation in between?

1. Rodents will chew their way in. But if you line the coop with hardware cloth, then do that, yes that would work well

2. I think the OP was trying to not spend quite that much money. Plywood is expensive up here... it is all shipped up from the lower 48.