We have 6 17 week old Wyandottes and we are new to raising chickens. Love it BTW! I have been reading all the great ideas on how to take care of the chickens in this extreme heat this year. We have a 8x10 coop w/ hen house, covered, and in a shaded area. We have set frozen 1 gallon jugs out in the coop, pour cool water on the grd, change out their water at least 2-3 times daily, and have a fan blowing on the coop from the outside. We let them free range when we are around. When they are outside they go underneath the decks or find other cool spots. They much rather free range then stay in the coop...(of course !)
QUESTION: Is it better to let them free range and find their own cool spots or keep them in the coop where they have their water readily available, fan blowing, and frozen water? We also give them frozen water melon and blueberries...got this idea also from BYC! As most of us, temps have been in the 100's and will continue to be in the high 90's w/ humidity. We live in NC. Would appreciate some advice. Thank you
QUESTION: Is it better to let them free range and find their own cool spots or keep them in the coop where they have their water readily available, fan blowing, and frozen water? We also give them frozen water melon and blueberries...got this idea also from BYC! As most of us, temps have been in the 100's and will continue to be in the high 90's w/ humidity. We live in NC. Would appreciate some advice. Thank you