keeping my girls cool this hot Southern CA summer

[RE1947]

Call me crazy but watching my four Barred Rocks panting when the temperature reached 100 + for several days in a row here in Orange County CA. I decided that since I was comfortable in my air conditioned house, why not figure out a way to keep them cool as well. I used some 4" perforated pvc drain pipe and installed it in a U shape under the raised coop that measures 4' x 4'. Since my woodworking shop is near by I built a deflector that fits on the front of the AC unit and then ran some 4" dryer vent line into the perforated pipe. This worked very well to keep them cooler as well as putting out a tray with ice water. If any one would like a picture of the setup let me know and I'll forward to you.

 

[barneveldrerman]

It don't sound crazy to put an a/c in. But just to let you know it could get costly to run it. I would use a fan and put ice in their waters. I know we are in a drought but a simple mister system on a timer would do the trick. If you are willing to pay higher electricity bills than its fine.


Hope this helps!

 

[RE1947]

As far as the electric cost, I've had solar electric on my house for ten years so the extra cost to run an A/C unit for a few of the hot days isn't a concern. I tried the water mister, (they all scatter when I turn it on) and as you know we have the mandatory water rationing and they like the cold water so that's my "keep em cool system for now".