Ways to cool.the coop and run

Teila said:

Howdy csaylorchickens

Living in Aus, in a sub tropical zone, we get some very hot and humid days and like you, my gals are not into splashing around in water but then they also do not like getting wet and shelter when it rains.

A few things I do to help keep them cool and hydrated are:

* Watermelon is always a favourite in summer and helps with hydration.
* I put frozen vegetables into water, again helps with hydration, cools the water and the bobbing for treats entertains them and hopefully takes their mind off the heat.
* As they do not like getting wet, I damp down the dirt in their shaded run and they seem to like to lay on the cool dirt.
* Or, if they are free ranging, I spray the vegetation in their favourite spot which not only helps the vegetation but keeps that area cooler and the water has a trickle down effect from the vegetation.
* I also damp down and/or create puddles in frequently used paths etc, which they walk through and hopefully aids in keeping them cooler.
* I do have a mister system set up on the run but only use that in extreme heat because we already have enough humidity and adding to it could encourage mould spores which can result in respiratory issues.
* If someone is showing symptoms of getting a little too hot, I have damped down her face, wattles and comb.

Click to expand...

Blooie said:

Teila! I haven't seen you in so long!!

Click to expand...

Teila said:

Hey Blooie, I am still lurking, obviously not in the same places you are

Good to cross paths again

Click to expand...

csaylorchickens said:

Well the fans in the coop, nesting boxes slightly proped open, blanket on the roof soaked in water were all good interventions it was 100 today at peak heat and the coop stayed cool enough
The run i sprayed down the sand and put a water jug out with ice and another mini fan with it blowing on ice, they r under a trampoline for the large run so i put a sheet to have full shade and soaked the sheet with water.
I need to still get a tray with water for a wading pool.

Click to expand...

Blooie said:

Teila! I haven't seen you in so long!! I do the watermelon, frozen veggie, ice cubes in the water thing. Plenty of shade and lots of time outside of the coop and run so they aren't crowded in the heat. They weren't interested in the wading pool. I bought a mister from Home Depot and they love that thing!! Ida thought we bought the mister just for her....she was always hogging it! We also got a mobile home exhaust wall fan. Since it's made for older mobile homes (we got it at the "Older Mobile Home Parts" store online) it allows for walls that are only 2 inches thick rather than the standard construction of a conventional home. Ken wired it so we can either have just the cover open for passive ventilation or have the cover open and fan running for active ventilation. It's right above the people door of the coop and it's been a great addition.

Click to expand...

Leigti said:

I have that same Mr. Mine didn't seem to put out much of a spray. I may try it anyway again to see if it works better now.

Click to expand...

lynnehd said:

Try soaking the actual sprayers (I believe you can unscrew them)  in white vinegar for an hour or so first, rinse well in hot water. Inspect it for debri; a paper clip can help if you find any.
While you have them out, blow out the tube as well.

Click to expand...