Newbie in Joshua Tree California

[cmrobeson1]

I haven't had chickens since the late 70's and decided to get back into it now that I am an adult! I have four who are around 6 to 7 weeks old. It is a bit hot here right now and they decided to lay down in moist dirt most likely to cool off. Plenty of shade and water available but is it a concern for them to want to GET IN their water bowl?

Thanks!
CR

 

[FridayYet]

Hi CR, welcome to BYC!

Some chickens like to stand in water -mine stand in the puddles I make in the run for them. Only concern to me would be keeping your water clean. (Although mine still drink out of mud puddles even when there is sparkling clean water right near them!)

It's a good way to keep chickens cool in a hot, dry climate.

I used to camp in JT a lot. Miss those big rocks!

 

[silkiecuddles]

Hi, and

If you have a sprinkler, some chickens like to play in those. You can also offer treats such as watermelon or cantaloup or frozen corn and/or peas to help cool them off

 

[Cynthia12]

I also wet down a favorite area of theirs to go lay in when it gets real hot here. I bought a spray mist..haven't put it up yet.

 

[cmrobeson1]

Thank you all for the great tips! They seem healthy and happy....and are growing like crazy!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice already so I'll just say hello!


All the best
CT

 

[BuffOrpington88]

Hi and

They might like a shallow dish of water that they can stand in when they get hot, but knowing chickens, they'll probably still prefer the waterer!

Thanks for joining us!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

They also love & need shade - natural or manufactured.