I keep hearing...

[Morgan7782]

No cold! Do NOT let the chickies get cold! Bad cold!

But... What about heat? I live in Sacramento Valley and it gets to triple digits EASY here. Should I be concerned with HEAT rather then cold? Does too much heat affect chicks, and chickens? They will have shade in their run throughout the day, but how often do they suffer from heat stroke? Any advice = good

 

[Countrywife]

Just make sure they always have water and a breeze if one is around. I would not put a fan on them though. good air circulation and water.

 

[HEChicken]

When I first got the chickens I was concerned about cold but after researching, learned that they are actually more cold-hardy than heat-hardy. Now I'm concerned about the hot Wichita summers where we frequently get triple digits too. Shade has to be important. Clean, fresh water has to be important. I plan to freeze milk jugs full of water to put in the water bowl to help keep it cool this summer. I've also heard of people freezing watermelon for them for a cool treat. I'm also making a new door for my coop that fits the runners of the winter door but will have a cutout covered by hardware cloth for the summer, so they will have air flow.

 

[Morgan7782]

Alright cool, they will have plenty of shade and fresh water. The frozen addition to the water is a good idea too! The chicks will be inside for the first 2-3 weeks, and then will be moved into a larger brooder right against our house with a heat lamp. I am so excited to get them. Hopefully next week! :-D :-D :-D