How hot is too hot?

[parson45]

We’ve had a terrible year for snakes. Of 7 baby chicks I bought, two survive. From 30 hens, I’m getting 5 to 8 eggs per day.

So I built what I hope is a snake proof chicken condo to raise babies in. Always before, we’ve started the chicks in a box in the house then moved them to a ground-level pen till they were big enough to join the flock.
Now, I’d like to start them in the condo. That red box is four feet by four feet by almost four feet high.
Question is: should I start them there with 100 degree temps predicted next week?

 

[toomuch]

They should be fine. My chicks survive 116 degree weather. Just make sure that they have cold water and are in a shaded area.

 

[snow5164]

Agreed, I’d add some shade cloth , air goes threw it but not the suns heat.

Lots of water , not just in feeders but in pans or pie plates, cat litter box if they can get in it.

If they’re in cool temperatures now you should gradually introduce them to the heat though, don’t just put them out for the whole day .. good luck

 

[wyoDreamer]

block the chicks in the box area for a while though, that ramp is going to be too much for them to handle until they get older. Is there any way to maybe put an elevated floor up at the door to the box or at the bottom of the upper ramp. My chicks had problems with the ramp and finding their way back to the "roost" until about 3 1/2 to 4 weeks old.

 

[snow5164]

Where are you with all these snakes? I couldn’t take it I’d die at the sight of the first I saw ....

I hate the garter snakes we have , they’re too darn fast for me

 

[wyoDreamer]

Ba careful with pans of water for young chicks - they drown in very shallow water.

 

[snow5164]

I never saw that , the ramp needs cleats across it so they don’t just slide off ...

 

[parson45]

block the chicks in the box area for a while though, that ramp is going to be too much for them to handle until they get older. Is there any way to maybe put an elevated floor up at the door to the box or at the bottom of the upper ramp. My chicks had problems with the ramp and finding their way back to the "roost" until about 3 1/2 to 4 weeks old.

I was planning to keep them in the box at first. You just told me for how long. Thanks.
I’m not gonna to be able to make any changes for a while. Took a tumble off my utility trailer Thursday night and destroyed my right rotator cuff. Thought I would just block the door and keep them in the box.

 

[parson45]

Where are you with all these snakes? I couldn’t take it I’d die at the sight of the first I saw ....

I hate the garter snakes we have , they’re too darn fast for me

Garter snakes, copperheads and coach whips. None have managed to outrun the 9mm.

 

[chickens really]

They will roast in that without shade and air flow..