Heat, Cold, free range, and all the things...

[H_2]

Hey y'all,

This forum has been amazing in getting me mentally prepared for my first tiny flock. You have also helped me think about things I just didn't do. The good news is, I'm terrified to be a new chicken mama so I'll be very careful. The bad news is, I'm about to be a new chicken mama.

A member saw my set up and said "they will cook". THEY ARE RIGHT! So we are running power out to the coop and setting posts for a sail for shade. My trees haven't grown up yet to provide natural shade. Is a fan or small swamp cooler set up in the coop recommended? I live in the high desert. Not usually more than mid-90's but still, hot and dry.

I have 1.5 acres. Their run is a decent size for the quantity but I really want them to have the ability to free range a bit. I want them to enjoy the grass (their coop and run are in DG) and the shade of the covered patio. I do have dogs but I'll monitor the hell out of that. My guess is that I keep them in the run while unsupervised and let them out when they are. But I suspect that corralling them when they are isn't realistic due to them being birds....

It does freeze and snow where we are but we'll cross that bridge in six months.....

Thank you for letting me rant!! The babies are coming May 14.

 

[DobieLover]

Hey y'all,

This forum has been amazing in getting me mentally prepared for my first tiny flock. You have also helped me think about things I just didn't do. The good news is, I'm terrified to be a new chicken mama so I'll be very careful. The bad news is, I'm about to be a new chicken mama.

A member saw my set up and said "they will cook". THEY ARE RIGHT! So we are running power out to the coop and setting posts for a sail for shade. My trees haven't grown up yet to provide natural shade. Is a fan or small swamp cooler set up in the coop recommended? I live in the high desert. Not usually more than mid-90's but still, hot and dry.

I have 1.5 acres. Their run is a decent size for the quantity but I really want them to have the ability to free range a bit. I want them to enjoy the grass (their coop and run are in DG) and the shade of the covered patio. I do have dogs but I'll monitor the hell out of that. My guess is that I keep them in the run while unsupervised and let them out when they are. But I suspect that corralling them when they are isn't realistic due to them being birds....

It does freeze and snow where we are but we'll cross that bridge in six months.....

Thank you for letting me rant!! The babies are coming May 14.

What breed(s) did you select? In your climate I would stick with the Mediterranean chicken breeds. They are better suited to the heat and can still handle the cold. I have Leghorns and they did fine our New York winter.
Did you have a specific question?

 

[H_2]

What breed(s) did you select? In your climate I would stick with the Mediterranean chicken breeds. They are better suited to the heat and can still handle the cold. I have Leghorns and they did fine our New York winter.
Did you have a specific question?

I got Easter Eggers. Meyers said they are both heat and cold hearty as well as being friendly. God, I hope they were right.....

 

[adstowe]

I'm in S/E Colorado. A little over 5,000 ft elevation and high mountain desert climate. I used to live not too far from you. The climate and terrain are not much different. I've had many easter eggers and none of them had issues with the temps summer or winter. I wouldn't worry. You did fine. Something off topic, but relevant to your situation - I used to have all easter eggers and while I love their blue/green eggs, I find that they loose a bit of their appeal over time when that's all you get. You might consider adding in some brown and white down the road. It makes the egg carton seem more colorful. Just my experience.

 

[H_2]

I'm in S/E Colorado. A little over 5,000 ft elevation and high mountain desert climate. I used to live not too far from you. The climate and terrain are not much different. I've had many easter eggers and none of them had issues with the temps summer or winter. I wouldn't worry. You did fine. Something off topic, but relevant to your situation - I used to have all easter eggers and while I love their blue/green eggs, I find that they loose a bit of their appeal over time when that's all you get. You might consider adding in some brown and white down the road. It makes the egg carton seem more colorful. Just my experience.

thank you for all of that!! Happy to hear some relevant experience across the board.

 

[H_2]

What breed(s) did you select? In your climate I would stick with the Mediterranean chicken breeds. They are better suited to the heat and can still handle the cold. I have Leghorns and they did fine our New York winter.
Did you have a specific question?

As for specific question, is the sail for shade enough or should I install a fan or swamp cooler in the coop?

 

[adstowe]

I haven't seen your coop, so can't really give an opinion. Lots of ventilation is key, both summer and winter. I know you're concerned with heat, but it's a common misconception that you should close off ventilation to try and preserve heat in the winter, I just figured I'd mention it. What is this bird cooking coop? Like an aluminum shed?
And what is this "sail"? I'm picturing a tarp stretched out over it on posts.

 

[H_2]

I haven't seen your coop, so can't really give an opinion. Lots of ventilation is key, but summer and winter. I know you're concerned with heat, but it's a common misconception that you should close off ventilation to try and preserve heat in the winter, I just figured I'd mention it. What is this bird cooking coop? Like an aluminum shed?

There is zero shade until we put the sail up. We are also fortifying the sides of the run. We know it’s not sufficient.

 

[aart]

You're gonna need a BIG shade sail!

I want them to enjoy the grass (their coop and run are in DG) and the shade of the covered patio.

What is "DG"?
I don't see a patio... or any grass?

 

[H_2]

You're gonna need a BIG shade sail!

What is "DG"?
I don't see a patio... or any grass?

DG = deconstructed granite.

The previous photos are just the coop and run. Here’s another angle.