Are my chickens cold?

[Uzuri]

So far, just repeatedly refilling their waterer with COLD fresh water. Thankfully we haven't gotten any days with it was dead still along with hot and humid so I haven't needed a fan. Ice bags are a good thing to use, though (we use ice cans with the rabbits), a fan will help (keep it CLEAN unless you're interested in burning down your coop) and just plain building your run with planned shade will make a big difference.

I also try to avoid any situation that will require me to lock them inside all day on the worst hot day -- that's when they simply can't shed heat, because they don't have big screened windows like a people house (not that they couldn't; just that I didn't build it that way).

 

[CorporateGranola]

Thanks Uzuri! I appreciate your input, sorry for hijacking the thread

 

[operator16]

Thanks for all the great information.

To answer your question, just two are Polish. The others are BOs, Red Stars, and EEs.



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[Turner]

Chickens are very hardy.

I have lived in Arizona and as long as those guys have shade and water in the shade they do great - I have given them a mist system which I really don't think they appreciated but it kept the temps below 90 when the temps outside were 105+.

I also live up north where the temps will dive below 0 and as long as they are in an area with no draft with food and fresh water they do fine. If you notice when chickens moult there are a lot of down feathers that keep them warm or cool as needed.

I do put a heat lamp in my coop if it gets below 0....they have a choice to get under it or not. Just make sure if you are in a cold area that your bedding is really deep. I clean my coops at least once a month all year long - I do not do the deep litter method. I like clean - no pests etc. Good Luck!