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rustyrobit

In the Brooder
Jan 22, 2023
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Hello! Very excited to start this journey now that I'm on a bit of property where it's allowed; however, I'm in the the southwest where it's nice right now, but a bit concerned for the summer where it gets well into triple digits.
So, I'm here to learn as much as possible before I get officially started.
Verbiage, coop style and size for ~12
No chicks yet, but it looks like 24 hens are allowed in this area.

Looking forward to learning and interacting with you!
 
rustyrobit said:
Hello! Very excited to start this journey now that I'm on a bit of property where it's allowed; however, I'm in the the southwest where it's nice right now, but a bit concerned for the summer where it gets well into triple digits.
So, I'm here to learn as much as possible before I get officially started.
Verbiage, coop style and size for ~12
No chicks yet, but it looks like 24 hens are allowed in this area.

Looking forward to learning and interacting with you!
Click to expand...
Welcome to BYC!!
 
Glad to meet you. Here is an article that focuses on ventilation, but includes great links to a variety of coop design plans organized by climate. You should find something that suits there. You might also like these other beginning chicken keeper articles that helped me out.
All articles are short, and have illustrations, and reviews, which are often worth looking at for the comments.

1. Intro to chicken keeping

2. Common mistakes & how to fix them

3. Ventilation (important to chicken health), with helpful links to coop designs organized by climate (because what is just right for my New England hens won't work for my brother's Arizona chickens)

4. Predator protection for new & existing coops

5. Dealing with a muddy coop and run (might not need this one, but you never know)

To look for articles on your own:

A. Use the SEARCH button, but use the Advanced Search choice, and select ARTICLES at the top of the box. Just enter your keyword(s) and scroll through your results!

B. I find it helpful to notice the rating and reviews. All articles are by BYC members, and all the reviews/ratings are as well. The ratings help a newbie like me sort the most useful and reliable articles.

C. You can bookmark the articles or posts you think you want to refer to again using that bookmark icon at the top of articles or posts. You can find them again by clicking on your own avatar and looking at the list of bookmarks you have built up!

Notes about where to put a coop.

1. As far as you can, put a coop and run on high ground, that drains well, so you won't have so much muddy coop problems. Chickens need to be dry, dry, dry.

2. As far as you can, put a coop with the ventilation lined up with your prevailing breezes, and away from the direction of your storms. If you are not sure of these (who is these days?), check with your local National Weather Service website.

3. As far as you can, arrange for some sort of shade over your coop and run. Preferably deciduous so the girls will enjoy winter sun, but summer shade.
 
Also, connect to keepers in your area, who will have some good techniques for cooling their birds. I know I have heard about spraying water on the ground in the pen to cool things.

Some folks are successful using fans, but it seems it can be difficult to manage the dust so it doesn't damage the motor.

I used the Texas Chicken Air Conditioner last summer when our temps were in the 90's. It is simply a jug or bottle of water that you freeze. Then set it out in the shade so your chickens can sit near it. My girls really liked this.
 
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow

I live here in New Mexico. We have that "dry heat", :D it works in our favor in the summer. On those really hot days keep birds in the shade or run. I hose down the run or their shade, add a fan to this wet area and instant cooling! Cool feet mean cool birds. Ice in the water fonts, and occasional watermelon treat to keep them internally cool.

Good luck and welcome aboard!
 

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