Cooler coop ?

[City Farmer Jim]

Does anyone use a fan(s) in or near their coop to cool your flock at night? We live in south Texas and the heat index today was 102-105. I have added more ventilation recently but we are thinking possibly a fan or two might help. Any advice will be GREATLY APPRECIATED.

 

[aart]

I do, have a fan in a window on east side of coop to blow cooler air inside, and push hotter air out, later in day.
Helps some.
It's aimed right at the roost, 16' away, so helps keeps bugs away too.
Think you've seen my ice block and electrolyte notes.

 

[City Farmer Jim]

I have installed 8"x8" vent doors just below the peak on each end think I will install a fan in the openings to help at night. The coop runs north and south and mostly shaded. Yes the electrolytes and ice are a very used item for us. I use Rooster Booster 2 - 3 times a week, run a mister for 2 hours a day from 12-2 place a 4"x4" block of ice in each of the 3 watering supplies. I appreciate all the advice you have given...I'm a newbie at this and can use the knowledge you have...nothing beats practical experience. Thank you.

 

[aart]

Oh, that is not a hot weather friendly coop...rotten ventilation.
Not sure you could fit much a fan in there.
Do they have a run?
What roost booster product are you using?

Deep all day shade is best but....
I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

 

[neo71665]

I use ice also, matter of fact I think we are using the same exact tote to freeze water in lol.

I don't use a fan but my coop is behind my shop and the trees and building create a wind tunnel. The slightest breeze in front of the shop that barely moves a blade of grass is a nice cooling wind back there.

 

[City Farmer Jim]

I think I have confused you about ventilation. At the drip edge is the 2 roofs is a 3.5 inch opening and 8 feet long with 1/2 inch hardware cloth to keep out critters. In addition to the drip edge/eves openings I also added 2- 8inch by 8inch windows Covered hardware cloth. Yes they have 4000 square feet of run/free range area that is 75% shade at all times. I'm going to get fans to move some night air in and out at roost time.

 

[aart]

I think I have confused you about ventilation. At the drip edge is the 2 roofs is a 3.5 inch opening and 8 feet long with 1/2 inch hardware cloth to keep out critters. In addition to the drip edge/eves openings I also added 2- 8inch by 8inch windows Covered hardware cloth.

If my math is correct that's about 136sqin or almost 1sqft of vent...
.....not nearly enough for your climate.
@rosemarythyme has the rules of thumb for vent spacing.