Nesting boxes in high heat climates

[Ajp23]

Last summer we lost three chickens to the heat, all of them were in the nesting boxes when we found them. We’re in North Texas so we are guaranteed weeks of 100+ temps with high humidity.

The coop has a lot of ventilation, we keep the doors and windows open in addition during summer days and run a large fan. We even started freezing water bottles and adding them to the boxes.

So I guess my question is, is some heat loss inevitable or are there occasions where we should move nesting boxes out into more open air? Would they use them in the run if so? The run is mostly shaded by trees and shade tarps but I’m wondering if it’s a bad idea to have the nesting boxes outside of the coop, just during our hottest months.

Thanks for any advice! Believe it or not, we’ll have our first 95 degree day next week so it’s time to prepare

 

[Debbie292d]

Gosh, so sorry for your losses!

Is it possible they were broody hens? I ask because they would be at their weakest health and succumb more easily to drastic weather. If so, I wouldn't allow them to be broody during that heat. Most of us have a broody jail, and I'll explain that if you want.

Otherwise, can you cover the coop with anything white or light colored to deter the sun from baking it?