Hello all.
Summer is knocking at our door and will be here before we know it.
I love the animals I choose to have and therefore personally feel compelled and the NEED to set myself and them up. My goal always is to set up them up not only be able to survive, but also thrive in their environment which ultimately I have brought them into and I create and have the responsibility of creating for them. Happy hens=happy (stress free) me.
A little about the coop we built last spring:
We have our coop constructed out of both small square wire (super reinforced and attached both on the exterior and interior to where the squares don't line up perfectly/ visually and thereby create an inner second barrier of protection for the flock) as well as partial wood panels on 2 of the 4 sides which are permanent. This gives them shade, sun, breeze, and allows heat to escape. A fan hung from a ceiling rafter is also a must for us. Heat is bad, but it's the humidity that is worse. I do everything I can to keep them safe during super hot days.
Because our coop is half wire, During the winter we DID utilize shutters, (which worked perfectly) hinged together as needed and secured them to the existing framework to aid with the cold. Winter was fine it's summer that you have to be proactive about. Shade, water, and breeze are lifesavers. Frozen pop treats don't hurt either
I live in a climate that truly experiences all seasons. So, my coop has to be winterized and efficient for the heat of summer. How do you set up your flock and coop for various climates? Tips to tackle the heat? What have you learned or experienced with your flock? I'd love to hear.
This will be my second summer in NW AR with my flock and last year had me a little anxious being that there was a learning curve. I guess having chickens can be as complicated or easy as you make it.
Decided to start a thread. Always looking to improve the coop, learn from my mistakes, and acquire expertise related to all things chicken from those with far more experience who are willing to share insight and knowledge.
