AC, Swamp Coolers, Misters, Fans???

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chickluvinfreak

chickluvinfreak

Songster
Apr 7, 2016
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Riding off into the sunset :)
My Coop
My Coop
Hi, I live in Arizona and June-September is 100-120 degrees. The heat has proved deadly for my chickens and I am trying to find the best way to deal with this summer. I originally thought fans, misters, frozen treats, some wading pools and electrolytes would help keep them alive. Now I'm
hearing more about using air conditioners in the coop or homemade swamp coolers. Has anyone tried this? Is AC or a swamp cooler better? If I use air conditioning will I have to keep the coop sealed and my chickens locked in? Or are fans and misters a better idea? I would like to know what everyone thinks are the best options for keeping chickens healthy in the heat. I know some may think this is extreme but I lost 11 hens in one day in the heat and can't imagine letting it happen again. Thanks for your input and comments.
 
I suggest using misters. They lower the ambient temp by about 15 degrees or better. Provide shade with whatever you can. The liteweight blue or other color tarps work well to keep out the sun. Ac will send you to the poor house. Not sure what a swamp cooler is. Are you in Phoenix??? Been there a number of times.
WISHING YOU BEST and
welcome-byc.gif
 
Yes, unfortunately I live in the Phoenix area. A swamp cooler is basically a chest with a hole cut out, filled with ice and a fan blowing the cold air out. I do like the idea of misters as since it's so dry here I don't think humidity should be a issue. Thanks for answering.
 
That swamp cooler would also send you to the poorhouse on ice purchases. I have used one of those misters on my patio. It does cool the ambient significantly. Burns a gallon in maybe 1 hour. your water bill wont be significantly increased. A flush of an older toilet took 3 gallons each time. The silent flush took 4 gal.
 
Hi and welcome to BYC - glad that you have joined us.

I'd suggest searching "keeping chickens cool in summer" and seeing what other ideas members have come up with.

I'm sure that there must be breeds that are more heat tolerant than others, so that may be something to consider. I have lived and worked all over Africa, and even in Sudan where temps can be 50c plus I've seen chickens running around doing their thing and I'm positive that no cooling devices are used. I guess its down to breed and survival of the fittest there.

All the best
CT
 
Thanks CTKen. I have heard some breeds are better than others. But I don't believe this entirely because of my chickens that died 2 were silkies and another 2 leghorns. Supposedly heat hardy breeds. The chickens in Africa must be very hardy though! I have been looking at lots of ideas but was hoping people could share what has worked best for them.
 
cavemanrich said:
Here is something that may help you.. The local Arizona thread.    There are many in your area that have chickens.. Most  Ideal place to ask questions.  I have communicated with Phoenix Az. chicken keepers in the past.    Your posts are read by those near you and in the same situations as you. 
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/31227/arizona-chickens
Click to expand...

Thanks, I have subscribed to the thread you suggested and it's been very helpful.
 
Actually I have never heard of silkies being hardy in high temps. My friend has had silkies (and others) over 25 years and the silkies were much worse for heat/cold. I know of a Bycer who had chickens in your area years ago. He had air conditioning in the coop but, not to make it human comfortable like 70 degrees. If it is set to make it a few degrees color than outside, it makes a big different. He also used water misters - frozen gal. bottles - shallow pans with water - cool feet = cooler bird.
 
drumstick diva said:
Actually I have never heard of silkies being hardy in high temps.  My friend has had silkies (and others) over 25 years and the silkies were much worse for heat/cold. I know of a Bycer who had chickens in your area years ago.  He had air conditioning in the coop but, not to make it human comfortable like 70 degrees.   If it is set to  make it a few degrees color than outside,  it makes a big different.  He also used water misters  -  frozen gal. bottles - shallow pans with water  - cool feet = cooler bird.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I will be doing the misters and water pans this year. I was told on a hatchery website silkies were heat hardy, so that stinks. But hopefully with lots of TLC things will be different this year. I'm hoping the air conditioner won't be necessary but it's always a possibility.
 

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