Is it better to let them free range on hot days or stay in their run?

[chickens45]

I’ve been turning mine out to free range on these super hot days. They walk around and scratch around and will find a shady place to rest. I set out water for them and change it out often with cold water for them. They seem to get tired and hotter from walking around and foraging. But also seem to love getting out and running around

On days I have to be gone I keep them in their run with cold water and frozen treats or frozen jugs to
Keep cool. They like to huddle up in a shady spot and doze off. I sometimes will take the hose and give their run a good spraying down and lightly mist them with water.. which they seem to hate lol

but which is safer for them on hot days.. free ranging or just sticking to their run?

 

[RojoMarz]

I'm not sure I see any difference where they are during the heat...assuming there is water and shade in both (run and free range). If they are free ranging, they can lay in the shade if they'd like, just like in the run.

 

[Mrs. K]

SHADE and WATER is what is important. Be sure and check the position of the shade around 10:00, 4:00. Often times a run that has great shade at one time, won't have good shade at another. A pallet, or a small piece of plywood, a piece of tin, can be situated to give shade as the sun moves through out the day.

Mrs K