Chickens wont leave coop.....and today they look Hot

[bruced267]

The chickens moved into the coop on Sunday, and now have access to the run. Only a few of the chickens will wander a few feet out and then quickly return.

Today is the first Hot day near 100* and the chickens appear hot, beaks open, and lying down? Not all just a few, if they would leave the coop there was a breeze to help a little.

This is our first time with chickens....
The flock is now 10 wks and has lived in the basement until Sunday, and have never been out until then. Im guessing this might be normal? What should we do? Im worried about the heat for the next few days.

 

[satay]

I live in Australia where the summers are extreemly hot and humid.I have tried lots of things to cool them down in summer and they tend to just wanna do their own thing. I have tried misting them and putting the sprinkler on and they will usually run away from it. It may be just that they are getting used to the new coop and run. Keep an eye on them and make sure they always have access to cool fresh water. I have found putting ice cubes in their water will some times help too.

 

[Sweetlilbaby]

I put a sprinkler on top of the coop on hot days and a container of fresh cold water in the coop. This way the chickens can be cold. Also soda bottles with frozen water in them get tossed into water dishes to make sure the water is cold, and a few on the ground for the hens to lay against.
Chickens do not deal with heat very well.

 

[Chikas123]

I think you should just help them along and push them outside. They might just be scared to go outside so just give them a helping hand.

 

[gardendufus]

Your chicks will learn where they are most comfortable. Is there shade available outside? My chicks (16, 13 & 11 weeks) spend some of their time in the coop, some of their time outside. During the heat of the day, they will NOT stay in the sunshine. But in the early morning and especially in the late (shady time of the) afternoon they don't spend any time in the coop. Your birds will learn by instinct as they do everything else.

It's always a good idea as others have suggested to do whatever necessary to provide lots of cool water. I freeze individual size water bottles, and put them in their water containers. When it's especially hot I may change them out during the day to assure that the water stays cool. I also give them frozen food once during the day. (peas, corn (on the cob even) watermelon (another good source of moisture), etc.

I personally wouldn't worry that they are staying in the coop. I would think if they were too hot, they would venture out to try to change their conditions. But I defer to anyone more experienced or knowledgeable.

ETA: The coop size/number of birds ratio might change my opinion of whether I would interfere by tossing them out of the coop.