New to chickens in North Texas

[thecatumbrella]

Hi Rox! I love small flocks and yours already seem so bonded to you!

 

[thecatumbrella]

So how do you handle the heat? I have a little “pool” (a pot saucer with water) for them but they keep pooping in it and drinking the water instead of their waterer with electrolytes… any suggestions or ideas?

I just dump it out, say "No more pooping!" and refill. They never listen.

 

[Bigdumogre]

Welcome aboard

Alot of people fill a small kiddie pool with ice water and place paver stones in it. They will stand on the ice-cold pavers and cool down through their feet. Cold watermelon helps also and staying away from warming foods like cracked corn will help reduce their internal temp.

 

[muddy75]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[RY29]

I just dump it out, say "No more pooping!" and refill. They never listen.

I dump it and refill it every morning but just worried they’re not getting the electrolytes especially with the Texas heat

 

[RY29]

Hi Rox! I love small flocks and yours already seem so bonded to you!

I try they still don’t like me petting them but at least they come to my lap… when I have food. Every now and then one will jump on my back they’re silly and cute

 

[thecatumbrella]

I dump it and refill it every morning but just worried they’re not getting the electrolytes especially with the Texas heat

You definitely don't want to give electrolytes every day. Maybe twice a week? Mix up a batch in the fridge and use it to make cold mash with their chicken feed. Aim for a thick oatmeal consistency.

They should go nuts for it. It's gets some food in them (mine don't eat much when it's hot), cools them down, AND gets some electrolyte in.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I try they still don’t like me petting them but at least they come to my lap… when I have food. Every now and then one will jump on my back they’re silly and cute

I think we have the same chickens. Also, having a chicken on your back while you're alone in the pen is a tad distressing, at least for me. It's always when I'm in a vulnerable position trying to clean up!

 

[RY29]

You definitely don't want to give electrolytes every day. Maybe twice a week? Mix up a batch in the fridge and use it to make cold mash with their chicken feed. Aim for a thick oatmeal consistency.

They should go nuts for it. It's gets some food in them (mine don't eat much when it's hot), cools them down, AND gets some electrolyte in.

What’s cold mash?! Just their food and the electrolyte powder with water then just served cold?

 

[RY29]

I think we have the same chickens. Also, having a chicken on your back while you're alone in the pen is a tad distressing, at least for me. It's always when I'm in a vulnerable position trying to clean up!

Yep that’s exactly when it happens