More new owner questions...

[Katiedid]

My neighbor has told me that she thinks my chickens are going to get sick if I keep using a sprinkler to cool them down. I'm assuming she's telling me that they will get cocci. We live in a high desert, hot summers and cool winters. It hasn't rained in months and the temps are in the high nineties. July will be hotter. I'm looking for a solution so that DH and I can go away for a few days in July and our other neighbor will be able to look in on them with only having to change the water. I like the sprinklers because they can be set on a timer. I bought a mister and am planning to use that instead of the sprinkler if it seems effective. What are your thoughts? Will using the sprinkler heavily enough to create puddles for them to play in lead to coccidiosis? I've been doing it once to twice a day to help keep them cool. They were having heat problems prior to this, but it seems to be helping a lot.

 

[HEChicken]

I can't imagine it would make them sick - I would just keep on keeping on if it is working for you.

 

[Katiedid]

Thanks for your help! I've had chickens for less than a year, so I tend to believe everything I hear. I'm learning to be more critical and to trust sources like byc rather than local feed stores and neighbors. I appreciate the advice.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

My chickens love the rain, if it pours they duck under shelter, then back out again...I can't see any harm with a nice shower during the day! When they figure out the time it comes on, they will prob be lined up waiting....