FYI, in Central Texas here, and brother we are hot! Daily temps now consistently in the mid-90's, plus extreme drought. No such thing as "cooling down"--we only get 'less hot' from about 4 am to 10am with mid-hi 70's and then the temperatures rise.
The early start to and continuance of this year's unique heat bomb has completely re-directed my brooder plans, from outdoor to indoor. My 2 EEs and 2 BA (hopefully) pullets from Meyer were hatched on May 9, now at approx. Week 6. Living and doing well inside our guest quarters bathroom (A/C at 79F) as I complete the expansion of my existing run, adding an extra 80 sq ft. My barn, where coops/runs are located, is about 75 yards from the house/guest quarters, requiring a quick drive in a vehicle. Elevated chick coop and existing run is in total shade 24/7/365 with ventilation and fan hanging in a window. New run expansion is wood frame, HW cloth sides, metal roof (anti-condensation/insulation sheeting underneath) with half day shade/half day western sun exposure. Both areas on coarse sand within a horse turnout pen. I'd love thoughts on these plans-- or other ideas-- to transition chicks outdoors into the inferno:
Plan A--supervised, incremental Pre-move excursions in shady, predator-proof outdoor 'playpen' downstairs from the guest quarters in 80+F degree mornings for ??? days/weeks before taking girls to the barn coop/run. The girls have not been outside to date.....How many days of playpen periods? Stress factor of gathering girls, putting in playpen, gathering girls to return to indoors?
Plan B--supervised, incremental Pre-move excursions to their new, forever digs AT THE BARN (requires vehicle travel) in 80+F degree mornings. How many days on this Plan? Stress factor of gathering girls, truck trip (INSIDE THE CAB
) to and from guest quarters, completely new sights and sounds? My two older hens will have "look-no-touch" access to the chicks during Plan B.
Plan C--a full-out, one-time transition from indoor bathroom to new, forever digs on a day when I can remain with chicks all day (not a problem). No return to indoor bathroom (unless severe heat stress???). Time of day to move? Heat stress factor? Two older hens will have "look-no-touch" access to the chicks during Plan C.
I lament that I've been unable to provide daily playpen time outside for chicks so far, while construction is taking place. Suffice to say, best laid plans and life throws curveball, speedballs, etc.
Thanks in advance.
The early start to and continuance of this year's unique heat bomb has completely re-directed my brooder plans, from outdoor to indoor. My 2 EEs and 2 BA (hopefully) pullets from Meyer were hatched on May 9, now at approx. Week 6. Living and doing well inside our guest quarters bathroom (A/C at 79F) as I complete the expansion of my existing run, adding an extra 80 sq ft. My barn, where coops/runs are located, is about 75 yards from the house/guest quarters, requiring a quick drive in a vehicle. Elevated chick coop and existing run is in total shade 24/7/365 with ventilation and fan hanging in a window. New run expansion is wood frame, HW cloth sides, metal roof (anti-condensation/insulation sheeting underneath) with half day shade/half day western sun exposure. Both areas on coarse sand within a horse turnout pen. I'd love thoughts on these plans-- or other ideas-- to transition chicks outdoors into the inferno:
Plan A--supervised, incremental Pre-move excursions in shady, predator-proof outdoor 'playpen' downstairs from the guest quarters in 80+F degree mornings for ??? days/weeks before taking girls to the barn coop/run. The girls have not been outside to date.....How many days of playpen periods? Stress factor of gathering girls, putting in playpen, gathering girls to return to indoors?
Plan B--supervised, incremental Pre-move excursions to their new, forever digs AT THE BARN (requires vehicle travel) in 80+F degree mornings. How many days on this Plan? Stress factor of gathering girls, truck trip (INSIDE THE CAB
) to and from guest quarters, completely new sights and sounds? My two older hens will have "look-no-touch" access to the chicks during Plan B. Plan C--a full-out, one-time transition from indoor bathroom to new, forever digs on a day when I can remain with chicks all day (not a problem). No return to indoor bathroom (unless severe heat stress???). Time of day to move? Heat stress factor? Two older hens will have "look-no-touch" access to the chicks during Plan C.
I lament that I've been unable to provide daily playpen time outside for chicks so far, while construction is taking place. Suffice to say, best laid plans and life throws curveball, speedballs, etc.
Thanks in advance.
--ha--is anticipated, but also temps closer to 80's instead of hi-90's. Wind will be NE which is way nicer than SE for summer. It wouldn't be a long transition period but I'm afraid if I don't move the chicks out to the barn during this weather event, I might not get another decent chance. Timing is everything at this point.
This is what I'd start with. Get them use to as warm as you can. Remember, the internal body temperature of a chicken is 105 to 107. They have lots of feather insulation, but the have ways of mitigating that themselves. Just be sure they always have fresh water. Panting to stay cool can use lots of extra water. They definitely need shade and circulation when they are outside. Can you move the brooder to a garage maybe? That would keep them close to home for monitoring, but would also put them in warmer temps.
Just need to tweak some air circulation in the coop and add 'accessories' to the space. Then finalize a plan of action.....
