Can we discuss outdoor brooder setup in hot weather?

[greylee]

It seems like all of the guides about a brooder setup outdoors is geared towards colder weather. I want to set up an outdoor brooder in the middle of a Southern California summer. Can this be done? Will it be too hot or too cold?

 

[azygous]

It would help to know your temperature parameters. But as a rule, when the ambient temperature is 80F and above, no heat source is necessary. If your high temperature is over 100F, then you will need to provide an air conditioned or misted portion for baby chicks to cool down.

 

[greylee]

It would help to know your temperature parameters. But as a rule, when the ambient temperature is 80F and above, no heat source is necessary. If your high temperature is over 100F, then you will need to provide an air conditioned or misted portion for baby chicks to cool down.

This weekend is forecasted to be in the 90s, but usually it's in the 80s and drops to the 60s at night.

Based on what you've said, would it generally be alright to provide a heat source at night only?

 

[ChickyCh00k]

I'm in Michigan. Our temps have been in the 90s all week and I have been brooding my chicks outdoors since day one (they're 3.5 weeks old now). They used the brooder plates for the first week - temps that week were in the 40s at night. They largely ignored the brooder plates by about day 10. I removed the brooder plates (but left a heat mat) this week.

Also, because of how hot it has been this past week, I made sure to open up the brooder coop during the day and give them "caged" space in the run (so my big girls can't get at them). Misters are an absolute must have in hot temps for all my girls! If you don't have some already, I highly recommend.

Here's what I have and it works really well to cool a good portion of my chicken yard and run:

Misters for Outside Patio 89FT(27.3M)+34 Brass Mist Nozzles+a Brass Adapter(3/4") Detachable Outdoor misting Cooling System for Garden, Waterpark, Greenhouse, Backyard https://a.co/d/0dVDYiIn

 

[azygous]

Yes, the chicks will need a heat source at night when the temp falls below 70F to 80F until they're around five weeks old. Supply it and leave it up to the chicks whether to use it or not. People almost always over estimate how much heat new chicks need. What sort of heat source have you chosen?