sheep fleece for insulation

I'm going to throw this out there because I have 5 huge trash bags stuffed with Dorset fleece, which were given to me. I've spun some, but I doubt I'll ever spin it all. So I wonder, from time to time, if it couldn't somehow be stuffed into walls for insulation. Folks use straw for insulation, why not fleece? Anybody who wears wool knows how warm it is.

Observations? Opinions? Thoughts on the pros and cons?

Could you? Of course! Would it work? Probably very well. But, methinks it would be outlandishly expensive, if you were buying it, and incredibly labor intensive, if you were doing it from your own critters. It would have to be cleaned, or there would be an introduction of bugs, dirt, seeds, and who knows what else in the wool, that would then end up between your walls or in your ceiling. Most folks tend to feel that wool is better utilized for clothing, rugs, and bedding. But, is it doable? I don't see why not.

Carla, good points. Choices usually boil down to cost and availability! I went with goats instead of sheep, but the fleece was a gift so I can't help but wonder about this. Maybe to insulate my someday root cellar. (?)

I have totally done this in my rabbitry, except I used rabbit wool, instead of sheep's fleece.

Since wool rabbits are generally plucked instead of sheared, the wool comes out in strands instead of a solid fleece, so I find it's easier to put it in burlap or plastic bags, flattening it out somewhat, then stapling it between the wall studs. I suspect a fleece would be easier, as it is usually in one piece, so could be directly applied between the wall studs.

So far, I haven't really had issues with vermin like mice trying to make homes in the wall- at least that I've noticed, but I suppose it could be a potential issue. I also didn't treat/clean the wool beforehand, so there was bits of hay/shavings in it; however my rabbits aren't free range in a pasture like a sheep is, so one may want to clean it a little if it's too dirty.

Since I'm not very good at spinning, I'm always trying to come up with alternate ways to use the buckets of wool I accumulate every year, particularly ways to benefit the rabbits, since they're the ones producing it.

It works so well, there are companies making it on purpose. You can buy rolls of felted wool insulation for use in insulating walls.

I'd be inclined to add a pinch here and there of pest-repelling herbs. Bay leaves repel most insects, while peppermint repels rodents. Along with a good moisture barrier, and starting with clean wool, it should last a long time without problems.

Kc, I'm glad to know it worked! Angora rabbit fiber is wonderfully warm, plus, with no lanolin, it's cleaner. I wonder if it could be used like down in quilted jackets (???)

Ellendra, I hadn't thought about felting it, but that's an idea. I was thinking about stuffing it loose into spaces needing better insulation.

Insects would be something to consider, so that's a good point about an herbal additive. That being said, herbs are potent when fresh, but eventually lose potency and effectiveness. I wonder if washing it in a a borax solution would be the answer.

I highly recommend washing the wool before stuffing it in there haha!!It will smell and also attract bugs rodents if not. it works great I've insulated a dog house with it.I've made felted pillows and stuffed with wool can definitely be used like a quilted jacket.I prefer to felt mine.