chiengora
Chirping
I think I messed up attempting to reply. I'm still getting this board figured out.
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I had a pretty busy morning, but managed a stop at Home Depot and among other things, I got some of those saucers for big plant pots. These are about 18" diameter, but only about 1 1/2" deep. Filled them with water and put them in the run, then went on to other things. Checking back later, the chickens are ignoring the saucers. They are bellied down in damp compost, standing in front of an electric fan. So much for not liking wind. I am going to try tarps on the roof to cut down some more sun, and keep the compost well watered, and see how it goes. Picked up a bunch of strawberries and raspberries and grapes today, presently freezing into blocks in the freezer.OK, Tucson chicken peeps, advice needed!
The chicken run I have been building is done. 650 sq. ft, 75% shade cloth over most of the roof and along the long east wall. Partial shade from roof overhangs on my wood shop. Ground covered with compost and seeded with BOSS, buckwheat, and Bermuda grass. Watered in morning and early afternoon. Perimeter wired with electric fence. 5 oldest chicks already moved in.
Due to desertmarcy's recent loss, I am kind of undecided about cooling methods. I was planning on a portable swamp cooler set up in one corner of the run. The other option is a misting system. The swamp cooler has the advantages of better cooling, and most of the portables have a timer already built in. Misters are cheaper, but I think less effective in a no wind situation, and setting up a timer for it can be a pain. I work nights, so with either option, a timer is a must.
I know the chickens don't particularly like wind or water, but they probably like heatstroke or death even less.
How do all you peeps handle the heat?
Does that sunshade look a bit like this?We bought several sunshades from Home depot that were 6' x 20' and covered the most exposed areas of the run, top and sides. They supposedly cut UV rays and lower the temp by about 15 degrees. Seems to help. We have also been putting frozen fruit out and frozen water bottles in their water to keep it cooler. I'm going to look at setting up fans in the coop and run for them. They free range for hours every day and I water down the areas that the like to hang out in several times a day, they actually come and get me when the dirt dries out. It's funny to watch them dustbathing in those spots. They look so happy kicking moist dirt around.
Check out Gardenpool.com Not sure if it's the same people you are talking about but they have a similar set up and are doing the aquapontics systems all over the valley. I have volunteered on a one of their projects to have the behind the scenes experience. It was really interesting. They are always open and inviting to volunteers. Just an FYI