Turning our 1.5 acre property in Scottsdale into a small farm

sctsdlbkyrdfarm · Mar 12, 2016

Hi Arizonans! We live in Scottsdale and have been planning a big enclosed garden that is being installed soon and we want to get some chickens as well. I have been looking at coops and trying to find the perfect one, probably getting 12-15 chicks. I am also researching all the ins and outs of raising chickens in the desert. We have a casita where we can keep them while young and then move them into the coop when ready. I am worried about the chickens during the hot months especially because we travel so I will need to rely on help from friends to take care of them. Any suggestions on the best coop or best practices here in the desert would be greatly appreciated!!!

curious chickee · Mar 16, 2016

Set up #1 my breeding barn
It is cheaper to make a coop than buy.

Set up #2 small coop only used for roosting at night, and external nesting boxes. Inside a large 20 x 20 run

Summer heat
Ventilation is the most important, I use a three sided coop. During the summer both of my coops have a fan that blows in one corner, you will the chickens standing in front of cooling off.

Plenty of water, on the days over 100 degrees, I use a plastic tray and a 2 litter bottle filled with frozen water. Unscrew the cap and let it melt, giving cool water. I also use automatic waterers so they always have water. I also have my drip irrigation in the coop come on around 2 pm for 20 min.to give a damp spot they can lay in.

Shade, have plenty of shade whether it is man made or bushes/trees.

Turning our 1.5 acre property in Scottsdale into a small farm

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