Chicks Outside in AZ?

[AZchickens17]

Oh, and right now we are building their coop. Their run will be open and airy but I want to add some ventilation to the coop. Could I just make one of those little sliding doors that has some wire to let in air and light? Also would any if you recommend fans or misters for them? Sorry for all of the questions

 

[barred2rock]

Should I drop in ice cubes into their water or put a mister on one side?

Chicks/chickens typically don't like their water cold, cool water from the tap should be cool enough (supposing your pipes aren't near the surface on the outside). As long as you give them shade (remembering temps are taken in the shade, direct sunlight is much hotter) they should be fine. Once they're a bit older, during the hot day you can feed them cool watermelon, they'll love it. I wouldn't use a mister, at least not until they've feathered. Perhaps on extreme hot days you can let them in a partitioned part of the house to enjoy the cool a/c for short periods?

ETA: Be sure to keep their water in the shade, direct sunlight will heat it up quickly.

 

[AZchickens17]

Ok. I have heard box fans are good for when they are full grown and it is really hot. Would you agree?

 

[AmberMouse]

I'm in Vegas and my chicks are 2 weeks old. I've been letting mine out into my small coop with a covered yard for the past several days.They have been loving it. There are areas in the sun and shade. When the get warm they go into the shade and scratch down to cool dirt and then lay down. I did add some electrolytes to their water.
I bring mine in at night since I'm afraid something will try to make a snack out of them. Now my only problem is I have a little escape artist who will be waiting at the back door if I'm not up at dawn.

 

[-Wirth-]

You can put a couple wire screened windows for ventilation. I would not recommend putting ice in the water. Just put the water in the shade as barred2rock suggested. Chickens like to be dry. That's why they take dust baths and not water baths. I live in Florida and a lot of people here do use box fans. If you do try a box fan then do not make it so that it only points at all of them 100% of the time with no opportunity to get out of the line of air flow. It should allow for the air to circulate and cool them down. Box fans can be bought for as little as $10-$15. 90 degrees shouldn't be too hot for chicks in the shade without the sun beating down on them.

 

[mclanea]

I covered up the sides with those waterproof signs businesses use for advertising, to insulate and protect the chicks. Since the top is not covered, should I drape a towel to keep them from getting directly hit on the top?

Also could I drop in ice cubes to their waterer to cool it off?

I would make sure that they always have the opportunity to get out of the sun. When I let my 3 week olds play in the yard I notice they always find their way to the shade. So a towel or tarp or something like that would work fine. Just keep an eye on them to see how they are doing. If they are relaxed, napping, playing... they are fine. If they are panting... you've got a big problem.

For the coop/run I think a box fan in an area is a nice idea. We have a little fan hooked up to a cheap solar device that runs when it gets super hot. When it gets mid-90s and up, that's when I go into a mode of keeping them cool.

 

[AZchickens17]

Here they are in their new home

 

[BlueBaby]

Ok. I have heard box fans are good for when they are full grown and it is really hot. Would you agree?

When the temperature rises to 100 or more, I have a misting system on a timer going in mine at the far end of the run, so that the excess water doesn't flow back into the coop itself. They like going under it and even getting their feet wet. I have even at times caught the adults standing in their drinking water tubs. I never put in a fan on mine. I wouldn't run a mister on the smaller chicks like the age of yours though, and I try to make sure that all of my chick have grown big enough before the big heat hits us.

 

[barred2rock]

Here they are in their new home

It would be a good idea to give them some bedding, like pine shavings or straw, otherwise they can't get very good grip on the floor and might get splayed leg.

 

[AZchickens17]

Well I was going to get bedding but it was cheaper to use paper sacks. So far none have slipped or gotten splayed leg.