Coop for very hot climate....

[stir-fry]

there are ways. remember insulation not only keeps hot in, but also out. if its insulated then it will stay cool longer in the day. Use the kind thats silver coated, its like bubble wrap, shiny side out. and metal roof thats colored right will reflect a ton of heat too!! white is your best bet

and last, a .99 cent box fan from2nd hand store will do ya wonders and be worth its weight in gold! If it gets covered in poop who cares, it was a buck

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

We built ours as an open 3-sided coop because we were also afraid they'd get too hot sleeping in an enclosed coop during our hot summer nights. If you have an open type coop, make sure your run is secure against predators. Also, if possible, putting it under shade trees will help.

 

[goldnchocolate]

I'm in Massachusetts and I have problems with the heat during the summer months, especially with my big fat Buff O's. I found this article about using open front coops, even in the winter here in MA.

http://www.nortoncreekpress.com/fresh_air_poultry_houses.html

http://www.nortoncreekpress.com/fresh-air-poultry-houses2.html

It's something to think about, especially in the hotter climates.

 

[run_ac_run]

Thanks for the article link. And ArizonaDesertChicks--- that's more like I had pictured in my head. I really think that would work for me, but on a slightly smaller scale. If the cold became a problem in the winter, I suppose I could staple up some visqueen (sp??) to keep the wind out and use a light.

hmmm.. plenty to think about.

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

When we made our second coop, we left a 18 inch opening at the top of the walls, all the way around,under the roof for ventilation. Its covered with wire to keep anything from getting in. We also have large pop doors and there is a full sized door in the middle of the coop for extra air.I would post a picture of our coop but our computer went down and I am using my SIL's and do not have my picture file on it. We also built this coop under a large tree for added shade. So far it has worked for us. In the winter we covered the space with plywood to keep the coop warmer.