Keeping chickens cool in the summer?

[BoppsBees]

We have our run under a mapble tree that seems to keep them cool

 

[carnivore]

I've wondered this same thing. We've been breaking 100 degrees for the past week (and will likely continue to do so). I only have 4 hens right now and their run is small (3X10) but well shaded. It is sand based and since I've been watering it down because of the heat I've noticed that it's starting to stink. I rake it out daily. I think I'm going to have to go to a different tactic. I already use the frozen water jugs and sometimes a fan, but it's so stinking hot that it seems to just blow hot air around! I've also wetted an old towel for them to hang out on in the shade but then we're back to wetting the sand. They get out for an hour or so a day to free range before it gets too hot but their predators live with us (the dogs) so it's tricky to keep them separated.

I like the mister idea and even bought one a few weeks ago but when I got it home I realized that I'd be wetting down their feed as well (tube feeder that's attached to side of run). Would pine shavings be any better? Maybe on top of the layer of sand? Or would they get moldy and keep the poop wet?

Sounds to me like you have an underlying drainage problem. Sand should not stay wet, unless you have caliche or clay under it. I would dig it up and break up the dirt, and mix in mulch or pine chips.

 

[LindaB220]

What type of litter do you use? I use straw and am reluctant to wet it down too much.

Glad to have you. I'm in the heat also in La. Horse stall pine shavings are the best. Too big for the chicks to eat and they last a lot longer than straw or hay. I do a deep litter. At the top of the page do a search for deep litter threads and also fermenting feed threads. These are the two best decisions I ever made on my chickens. Love Both.

 

[chicana58]

thats a good idea about putting a frozen milk jug , so the chickens can cool off. thanks

 

[PrimroseMom1]

    Glad to have you.   I'm in the heat also in La. Horse stall pine shavings are the best.    Too big for the chicks to eat and they last a lot longer than straw or hay.    I do a deep litter.  At the top of the page do a search for deep litter threads and also fermenting feed threads.  These are the two best decisions I ever made on my chickens.   Love Both.      e

Hi Linda. Pine shavings are good and don't seem to mold.

 

[Blooie]

thats a good idea about putting a frozen milk jug , so the chickens can cool off. thanks

I've got one out of two, Linda! Shavings for DL in both coop and run, but no FF - yet.

 

[senatorleghorn]

I have a large coop originally designed for some turkeys, it now has been setup for some dozen leghorns
there is a large person sized door and a chicken walkup door the entire pen and yard out area is 12' by 25'
all enclosed in wire including overhead yard area. my question is, during hot weather is it wise/safe to leave
large door open at night.? the coop sits at the edge of my back yard and is the beginning of a large wooded area.
what is the rule of thumb for "cooping up for night" I have been closing both doors and there is a large screened window
that is also wired for safety

I am also in the process of laying in electricity for lights etc.
can any body help in organizing an automatic door setup remotely or time controlled from about 50 yards away
It was suggested using a 12 vdc antenna but what else do I need thanks in advance Senator Leghorn

 

[St Pete Hens]

Yes, thanks Classy Chick. We're just starting our coop, actually still picking the right tractor design to build. But with a small coop, and a 4 hen limit, that sounds like the perfect way to keep my girls cool during our hot FLA summers.

 

[trickettmomma]

Mine love the kiddie pool! This is Ursala and Frost!

 

[OverEasyAcresSC]

Awesome advice! Thanks everyone!