Fan During the Day in the Coop?

[sierranomad]

I insulated my coop walls and roof, and have shade trees south and west.  I also have a fan on during hot weather.  The insulated roof really helps in summer heat, and having lots of ventilation is essential.  Mary

I've insulated my walls. I don't have any trees near my coop, but have an ooold metal shed that I'm going to see if I can tear apart and hang the metal over the coop and a good portion of the run. It won't win any prizes for beauty, but it's not going to be too visible, and cost savings key.

Also, I love Blooie's idea with the mobile home fan. She comes up with a lot of really good ideas.

JOn

 

[ChookRanger]

Hello and welcome, Jon.
A fan would be nice but my girls spend very little time in their coop during the day. Also I would be concerned with blowing dust everywhere. I have a run for my girls with plenty of shade but even in high summer they will spend time right in the noonday sun.
Just give them shade and water and they usually handle the heat just fine. What breed chickens do you have?

 

[sierranomad]

Thanks for the welcome! I have Production Reds (thought I was getting RIR). I did my research before getting them and found that they are pretty heat-tolerant. My first choice was Black Australorps, for the same reason, but had a difficult time finding them here.

The dust issue is why I like Blooie's suggestion of an exhaust fan.

It's good to know that shade and water should be sufficient for them. How hot does it get where you are? Here in the Sierra Nevada foothills it can get 100-105* for days on end.

Jon

 

[Folly's place]

Chickens really have a hard time in heat, so do everything you can to manage if it's over 85 to 90 degrees. I change their water and add ice during the day, and add extra waterers in the shade. Cold/frozen watermelon, anyone? Mediterranian breeds will work well. Mary

 

[Blooie]

Thanks for the welcome! I have Production Reds (thought I was getting RIR). I did my research before getting them and found that they are pretty heat-tolerant. My first choice was Black Australorps, for the same reason, but had a difficult time finding them here.

The dust issue is why I like Blooie's suggestion of an exhaust fan.

It's good to know that shade and water should be sufficient for them. How hot does it get where you are? Here in the Sierra Nevada foothills it can get 100-105* for days on end.

Jon

I'm glad that you like the idea - it's sure been a lifesaver here. But I don't want to leave you with the impression that it does a whole lot with the dust. I'm sure it helps a little, but that dust is insidious....it gets everywhere and well placed vents and fans aren't going to get rid of it. That's why I said to make sure to blow the dust out of the motor and fan blades periodically. I just don't want anyone to get the idea that an exhaust fan solves every issue. It works for what I want it do do - ventilating and cooling the coop - but it doesn't get rid of all of the dust.

 

[sierranomad]

I'm glad that you like the idea - it's sure been a lifesaver here.  But I don't want to leave you with the impression that it does a whole lot with the dust.  I'm sure it helps a little, but that dust is insidious....it gets everywhere and well placed vents and fans aren't going to get rid of it.  That's why I said to make sure to blow the dust out of the motor and fan blades periodically.  I just don't want anyone to get the idea that an exhaust fan solves every issue.  It works for what I want it do do - ventilating and cooling the coop - but it doesn't get rid of all of the dust.

Oh yes, I know. I was referring to blowing the dust around in the coop. Your exhaust fan ought to circulate the air without blowing it around. Yes, I know the fan will still need to be cleaned. Thanks for the clarification, though.

 

[Blooie]

Ooops, sorry. Didn't mean to misinterpret what you said. I get that way sometimes so you'll have to forgive me - my tongue gets in front of my eye teeth and I can't see what I'm sayin'!

You are absolutely right - it does move air well without blowing dust everywhere.

 

[PapaChaz]

Chickens really have a hard time in heat, so do everything you can to manage if it's over 85 to 90 degrees. I change their water and add ice during the day, and add extra waterers in the shade. Cold/frozen watermelon, anyone? Mediterranian breeds will work well. Mary

hard to beat a snack of good cold watermelon on a hot summer day. fills and hydrates. When I was doing landscaping on the side, my cooler always had bottled water and a bowl with watermelon, cantelope and grapes in it. You do get some hydration from the right kind of snacks, so it's a win/win!

 

[Blooie]

When it was hot last year I also gave my chickens frozen peas and carrots and such. With it just being the two of us, I usually end up with a little bit in the bottom of this bag and a little bit in the bottom of another. I usually dump them all into a large freezer container and then use them up for soups and stews and such. But last year I would take them out and toss them in the run. They loved them. I'd also empty a bag of ice into their water container. As you folks have said, watermelon and other watery fruits are always a hit too. I'd buy frozen strawberries and other mixed berries (not packed in sugar) in the little boxes, open them and set the block in there. Another hit.

 

[sierranomad]

Ooops, sorry.  Didn't mean to misinterpret what you said.  I get that way sometimes so you'll have to forgive me - my tongue gets in front of my eye teeth and I can't see what I'm sayin'!     You are absolutely right - it does move air well without blowing dust everywhere.  

No apology needed! I understand the misunderstanding...I should have specified which "dust problem" I was referring too.