Hello from SW Florida!

[flmom2boys]

I'm new here

We don't have chickens, yet! I am dreaming and planning though! I'm a bit concerned about how hot and humid it can be here for several months of the year. Also, it rains a LOT! So, whatever we do needs to allow for lots of rain water.

I'm also new to gardening and other "back to basic" skills. Our homeschool family is on a journey toward simplicity and we are learning so much!

I'd love to hear from others who live south of Orlando and can give me tips about raising chickens in my suburban back yard.

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

Hey flmom2boys I'm in Taylor county in the northern half. It gets just as hot here as where you are. I'm originally from Ft. Lauderdale. SO far our chickens have had no problems with the heat. We keep the coop well ventilated and have a partially covered run for them. I know alot of people say the heat effects their chickens I dont know maybe its because ours were southern born they are used to the heat. We have a small farm and are currently raising goats,chickens,ducks,geese,pigs,turkeys We are trying to go back to basics too. I planted a big gardens this year and have been canning for the first time. Its alot of work but I think its the way to go. Welcome to the board. Micki

 

[flmom2boys]

Thanks for the welcome!

I was wondering if they are raised from chicks in the heat, if they would kind of get used to it. I do plan on making sure the coop is well ventilated and that they have a covered run. My backyard faces west, and the afternoon sun just bakes everything this time of year. I guess I'll figure out the right orientation and placement for the coop once we get started with construction.

 

[suenrob]

As long as you have a coop with plenty of shade and ventilation, you should have no problem. I too was concerned about the heat and rain, but the chickens don't seem to be bothered by it.

 

[Poison Ivy]

Hi and welcome to the board. I use to live in Davie and moved to Ocala about 7 years ago. I have the same problem with the evening sun and the run has little to no shade. I put a fan in the coop and keep it on 24/7. If it gets to hot they go in and sit in front of it. Plus I'm going to staple some shade cloth over a section of the run that they can get under if they want.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I've been very surprised that they seem so unaffected by the heat. Their coops have a roof to protect from sun and rain plus some shade but their courtyard is open air. They just don't have any problems. I did turn a fan on them a couple of days when there was no breeze and it was quite hot. We have been getting rain everyday so it does cool off in the evening.

 

[1dude]

I was worried about heat in Pensacola area. I'm pretty sure they live everywhere. I do remember chickens all over the Philippines.
I think certain one's are better suited for heat, not sure which.

 

[dixiechick]

Greetings from North Central Florida (Dixie County---an hour west of G'ville)! Our southern hatched-and-raised chickens do just fine with the Florida heat and humidity. I will tell you though, I purchased a hen from NY and she died from a heat-stroke.

I called the breeder and although it's hot in NY, we think she just stressed from the humidity. So now, I only buy from southern states...and have been successful with that approach.

Our coops are fully shaded, and we water and feed daily. In the evenings, the kids take the chicks out for bug hunts while the kids are on hawk-watch.....and all is well.....

My advice...take the plunge, buy southern fowl...but be warned, they are like potato chips...you can never have enough!