New and have some questions

[honeybunny80]

All, this is our families first time raising chickens. We are in lockdown as of yesterday and

all goes well. My questions is about the coops and runs. We live in St. Petersburg, FL and the summers are brutal, as you all know. I have also read about the deep litter method but wanted some guidance on how this works with our local climate. Any and all advise you can give me is greatly appreciated. We started this journey as a science project for our 6th grader but its morphed into a great family endeavor. Is the DLM only for the coops or for the runs too? What are some of the other options that you have tried and like and any advise for us again is most welcomed. Thanks

 

[Elemes]

All, this is our families first time raising chickens. We are in lockdown as of yesterday and   all goes well. My questions is about the coops and runs. We live in St. Petersburg, FL and the summers are brutal, as you all know. I have also read about the deep litter method but wanted some guidance on how this works with our local climate. Any and all advise you can give me is greatly appreciated. We started this journey as a science project for our 6th grader but its morphed into a great family endeavor. Is the DLM only for the coops or for the runs too?  What are some of the other options that you have tried and like and any advise for us again is most welcomed.  Thanks 

Hi and welcome!

I love St. Pete! I used to be a member of the shuffleboard club down there.
Are you asking about deep litter to avoid a lot of coop cleaning? They're definitely going to need shade, ventilation and access to water all the time.... Just like me when I visit.
Have you search the forums for deep litter in warm climates? This thread has a lot of stuff that may be useful: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/70/deep-litter-method

Hope you find your chicken experience to be fun and rewarding!! What kind of chicks did you get? Some tolerate heat better than others.

 

[magschick]

Hi! I'm in st pete too. Also first time raising chickens. Do you have your coop yet? I got mine locally and so far it's been great. A couple makes them right around 38th ave and 19. i put our coop and run under a big tree. Havent had them in the summer yet. I've met so many people in st pete that raise chickens, so im guessing they can handle the heat ok.