Hot weather chickens

[Heather1]

We live in south Florida and I am new to raising chickens. Have three six week old silkies and nine two week old mixed batch (barred rock, Plymouth Rock and golden comets). Everyone is still inside and I am very worried about the transition to Florida heat in the summer. I have a covered run and it is in what little shade we have. I have read all the tips for keeping your flock cool but I would love to connect with folks raising chicks in hot climates to figure out how best to move the chicks out and keep them alive. Thanks in advance

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to the flock. Go to "where am I, where are you," in the social forum. You can locate and post on your state thread and ask the actual people that live in your area how they handle the heat.

I know shade, shade, shade is important, natural or manufactured.. You can also use misting hoses, freeze gal.bottles of water and put out in run so the birds can get near it to cool off. If you have a nice sandy patch for them, you can wet that down and that will keep their feet cooler . Maybe you can securely add a fan to the ceiling in the coop- protected from flyers - moving air feels cooler. Add ice to their water bowls.Give them some cool treats like watermelon to help keep them hydrated.

Personally I can't handle heat and anything above mid 70's IS hot for me- while my a/c is set to 80 degrees it's still cooler than outside and feels good to me. I don't know how people in hot climates get through the day. I'd rather be shoveling snow.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Have you considered sand? Sand can be hosed down in the summer and it keeps the birds really cool. Cool feet mean cool birds. It is easy to clean, keeps the flies away, soft on the pads and the chickens love to scratch in it. Here is a good tread on sand if you need more info on it...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/444759/got-sand-you-should

You will also want to chat with your chicken neighbors on how they survive your hot summers as well...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/305793/florida-always-sunny-side-up

Great to have you aboard and welcome to our flock!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You've gotten some good links above to people in your area, good luck with your chicks.

 

[Heather1]

Thanks so very much.

 

[gander007]

Alright