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?

 

[Ajp23]

Thanks for your response! I don’t think they were broody at the time, unless maybe they had just decided to be and we hadn’t picked up on it yet? That’s a great thing to watch for with the heat coming right up!

 

[Debbie292d]

Thanks for your response! I don’t think they were broody at the time, unless maybe they had just decided to be and we hadn’t picked up on it yet? That’s a great thing to watch for with the heat coming right up!

Perhaps you could lock the chicken door at a safe time of day when you're sure they've all laid. The worst thing that happens if one gets locked out is that she'll lay it on the ground.

That of course cuts down one place of circulation though, so if you can compensate for that so it doesn't turn into an oven by day. Or just use a piece of fencing or a grate to cover the door?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

How's your ventilation in the building? Can you post pictures of the coop showing all 4 sides and also pics of the nesting boxes?