Hi from Arizona, and help!

[tschmaltz722]

Hi! I am the happy new chicken momma to 4 birds: a RIR/production red (unsure which), barred rock, americauna, and Orpington! All about a year except the Orpington who is 8 months. I am so excited, but have so much to learn.

Last night was the first night the birds were here. We have an open coop/run and a roost for them. I placed all on their roost and they went to bed. Until 1:30am, when the Orpington was clucking very very loudly! I went outside to find her pacing the run. I picked her up and put her back on the roost. She settled in and no other noise the rest of the night.

Any thoughts? The roost is about 3 ft off the ground, but should we set it lower? I also haven't closed any part of the run off as a coop, but should I?

 

[CrazyChickLady7]

No, three feet is only the lower end of an appropriate height for a nest. She should be fine once they settle in.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! Congratulations on your new chickens
I too agree that once they are settled and know where to go to bed they should be fine. Do they have a coop to go in at night or do you just have roost bars? For me I would certainly consider adding a coop so they can feel safe in an evening. This also helps with keeping predators at bay. I lock mine up in the coop on a night so they are extra safe.

Wishing you the very best of luck with your new adventures. Be sure to ask all the questions you need to, everyone here to help and very friendly.

Enjoy BYC and all the chicken chat

 

[tschmaltz722]

I just have roost bars as it's still 90+ at night. Most AZ coops I have seen are open.

 

[Mutt Farm]

Hi! Welcome!

I three agree. She was probably feeling out of place.

Did all the hens come from the same flock? Did they have a closed coop where they came from? The heat is challenging. 90 overnight? Ugh. Your Buff may be acclimated, but they are not a heat tolerant breed. I have to take extra precautions with mine (100-110, 60's pm) I would also consider adding a well ventilated coop. Let us know how it goes tonight.

 

[tschmaltz722]

Yes, all from the same flock. They were free ranged, but did have an open coop. Hopefully tonight will be easier! I'll keep you updated.

 

[CrazyChickLady7]

If she was free ranged at night, it could be that she is used to roosting higher in the trees.

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

 

[Frindizzle]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined the flock.

 

[drumstick diva]

Sleeping in trees is never a good idea. Birds don't move in the dark but predators like owls and raccoons certainly do.

Do you have misting hoses to cool the birds during heat of the day? They also need tons of shade - natural or manufactured - like tarps to block the strong sun, and lots of cold fresh water. Also shallow pans with water they can stand in. Cool feet = cool bird.

I have seen coops in very hot areas that are really four sided screens made of 1/2" hardware cloth securely attached to frames. Solid roof to block the sun and roosts inside so birds are locked up at night.