Illinois...

[Justso]

Heat in Illinois. How do I keep them cool? I have 2 frozen tuper wares of water. That I will put in water bowl. Anything else? Thanks!

you are really, very kind. I have the good fortune of having my coop underneath a very shady tree. I try to make as much space as possible, moving the chicks out to the tractor in the shade. that makes for a lot less chickens in one of my runs.more space seems to help.

 

[Junibutt]

I had to be out all day today so was very worried about the Chocolate Cuckoos that are in my garage. I left 3 frozen bottles in their brooder to help. Thanks God they were ok when I got back at 7:00 PM.

 

[Faraday40]

I was also out. I gave all my heavy breeds baths around 11am & asked a neighbor to check on them around 4pm. She of course thought they needed treats, so the chickens were fine & very happy. Hopefully today will be closer to "normal" - if there is such a thing here.

Fans: What is the best way to clean a fan that's been in the coop for a year? (Dust is caked, so not good air flow.)

 

[ducks4you]

Actually, I am not sure about giving them ice. Extreme cold to an extremely hot animal can shock the system. My small flock has shade and this heat wave has been breezy, so they have done ok, judging by their normal movements. My 3 horses have been draining their 110 gallon water tank every 1 1/2 days, and I just make sure that my birds always have water. I guess if you keep your chickens on the west side of your home and nothing stops the sun you could have problems.

 

[cavemanrich]

Fans: What is the best way to clean a fan that's been in the coop for a year? (Dust is caked, so not good air flow.)

Most effective way is is to physically open access to the blades and scrape clean. Spray with water, another possibility to soften dust buildup . If it is beyond reasonable effort value, then replace. I always keep a few extra fans around and try to acquire them at discount prices. I use older box fans outside when sitting on patio and keeping mosquitoes at bay. Nothing wrong when repurposing something used.

 

[NotAFarm]

I use the air compressor to blow all the loose stuff off (before DH got the air compressor, I used our blower/vac). If needed, I remove the front and back screen and use the hose with the sprayer to wash the caked-on stuff off them. Do this away from the motor! I wipe the blades off with a damp cloth and anything I can from around the motor without getting the motor wet. Reassemble and viola!

I got an old metal box fan at a garage sale for $3. It worked great for six years before quitting. Brought the metal housing and blades to the scrap guy.....kept the metal screen from the front and back to use around the coop. I'm always looking for fans at sales so I have a back-up when I need one. The metal ones are so much better than the new flimsy plastic ones.

 

[ChicagoClucker]

Faraday40 I was going to say the same thing. I would use the leaf blower. Happy to see there weren't any casualties from the heat.

 

[ChicagoClucker]

Well, the No Crow Collar doesn't seem to matter for Rocky. No matter how tight I make it, he still has a very loud crow. He is going on Crowing binges, where he doesn't stop for 10 minutes, so its bye, bye Rocky. If anyone is interested let me know, otherwise off to the feed store he goes.

 

[ducks4you]

If you are planning a trip to Champaign soon, I will take him. I can use him to fertilize eggs or...for dinner. =D

 

[ChicagoClucker]

If you are planning a trip to Champaign soon, I will take him. I can use him to fertilize eggs or...for dinner. =D

LOL, Wish I was, enjoyed my road trip last weekend up to Wisconsin. Another trip would be sweet!