how can I help keep my girls cool?

[warmfuzzies]

That looks really nice for them, I bet they will be fine. Especially with you freezing the water like that. mmmm yummy!

 

[M.sue]

NewChcikenmommy! :

Here is the set up thus far

They can get completely out of the shade under the coop & directly under the tree stays in the shade all day. LOL I'm trying! those 100 degree days we had a month ago really scared me! I didn't want to lose any of them
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YXyLQXADcII/ToSiu0i_FwI/AAAAAAAABJg/oPdDKvOouew/s800/001.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YxItf9H48w0/ToSit5M8hrI/AAAAAAAABJc/Z7ILp4OHYIE/s800/003.JPG

not even a fraction of our yard they cover in the morning before the sun fully warms things up

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-q97t4X_79_A/ToSi2Ie_EqI/AAAAAAAABJs/s60nOlbhju8/s800/005.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iPNu0lTIguY/ToSi4jVQ2YI/AAAAAAAABJ0/bUUfXY8vJtQ/s800/007.JPG

With a setup like this your flock should be just fine.

I won't worry.​

 

[NewChcikenmommy!]

Thank you. I just worry because they keep their mouths open constantly, like a panting dog. lol

 

[jjthink]

Humidity makes a huge difference, in a bad way. Temps reported for nonhumid places - COMPLETELY different story - lucky duckies, those of you in nonhumid places!.
OP, you are doing many good things.
Fans, shade, cold fruits, cold water - all crucial. I finally added AC when NJ's heat index and humidity became obscene the last couple of years.
Prolonged panting (absent any illness or pain from other cause) is indicative of heat stress. Electrolytes may help (spritz Pedialtye or Gatorade on cold watermelon or other treat they'll eat).
I have found that running a hose to create a play puddle was a bit hit

JJ

 

[M.sue]

NewChcikenmommy! :

Thank you. I just worry because they keep their mouths open constantly, like a panting dog. lol

Chicken do pant like a dog.....it's how they stay cool!​

 

[Noobchick]

It all looks great! That's about what I do when its in the mid 80s. If it gets above 90, I also do this:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=645169
(thanks to that poster for her idea- my chickens loved that during the heat wave we had in July)

I also fill a small (12"-14") shallow glass bowl or plastic container with an inch or two of water. They love to wade in it, cools them down immediately. No more panting. You have to be careful about not getting the shavings wet if you give them one in their coop though, or removing ALL the litter they get wet. (Mine scratched around in the water and flung it everywhere.). Its a good last ditch method to get them cool when temps are in the 90-100 range.

Looks like you're doing a great job though!! Just some ideas if your weather heats up more.

Edited to add: if you do the trashcan thing and you find your chickens are fighting over a spot in it, itd be a good idea to set up more than one. How many depends on the size of your flock. But if theyre all cramming in there, it kinda defeats the purpose. Lol)