HOT in Central Florida

[Capvin]

We have six chicks that are just 5 weeks old. They have been living in their coop and run for about one week and seem very happy. The daytime temps are now 90 and even though the chicks do not seem stressed by the heat it will be a long summer and it concerns me. Their run is covered so they get shade plus I have an overhead fan in the run and a ventilating fan in the coop. Put ice in their water and give them watermelon in the afternoon. I am told that their breed (RIR hybred) is ok in heat but it does bother me and I hope they will continue to do well. The evenings are ok since the temps do drop into the 70's and high 60's at night. Wish there was something we could do on these hot days to make sure they are comfortable. Just went out and checked on them and they have dug a little hole on the sand and all of them are laying down. I would guess that is how they keep cool. Even though they do not seem to like water I am thinking of getting a mist system and putting it around their run. Anyone out there ever have success with a misting system??


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[A.T. Hagan]

So long as they've got plenty of shade, fresh water, and good air flow that's all you need. They'll mostly lay around during the heat of the day and be more active in the morning and evenings.

 

[KellyHM]

Did you build their coop? It's gorgeous. Want to build me one?

Ok, seriously, I'll pay you!

 

[Peepfreak59]

We had a very hot summer last year and getting hot now (90 today). put out the large bottoms of planters to hold water. My chickens use it as swimming pools, they stand in them to cool their feet. I also have straw in just to keep the dirt from being too hot. Lots of water, air flow ( I have a fan in their coop) and shade ( I put a shade cloth over the entire run). They will still look stressed but they should be fine.

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[GiddyMoon]

With the humidity in Florida, I don't see how a misting system would help. I know of people who will run a large fan far off in their direction to create a breeze. You can also give them shallow play pool of water..but the air there is already very humid.

 

[Capvin]

I will definately try a shallow pan of water. Just brought them out some cold watermelon and they like pecking at that. As for my coop, I did build it but I copied it almost exactly from the BYC website Coop Designs. The original was done by the Crouch family and you can find it under the medium coops. They have great pictures of the construction at every phase and it was a great idea and made it very easy to build.

 

[chics in the sun]

When it gets really hot I like to freeze plastic bottles of water. Then I take the cap off and put it in the waterer upside down. It keeps the water cool and drips out as it thaws. Otherwise I don't do much - just shade and dirt for dust bathing.

 

[flowergirl60]

I was thinking about a misting fan as well. It is 97 here today and mine are out sitting under the shade trees. They're run is covered with lattice but there is no breeze. I have the planter pans out with fresh water. They drink from them but won't put they're feet in.

 

[flowergirl60]

Quote:
Good idea. I'm going to try that.

 

[bywaterdog]

I live in New Orleans, a very hot and humid place. Have had chickens for years without any problems in the summer, they get plenty of fresh water and have shade in their run.
My chickens do not get ice, frozen treats, fans, or anything else and I have never lost one due to heat stress.

Good luck with yours, and please don't think that I am mocking your efforts to cool your girls, just wanted to let you know that they can survive our long hot summers.