NY chicken lover!!!!

[Breella]

NOOK-NOOK,

was it you that just posted a recently completed pen with the metal roofing? It looks FANTASTIC. What a lot of nice, shady room for your flock. Nice job!


QUESTION FOR ALL WITH REGARD TO THIS UNGODLY HEAT AND HUMIDITY:

Does anyone use a fan in their coop(s) ??

I have a heavy, safe extension cord plugged into an outdoor outlet nearby for now and therefore have the capability of running a fan for the girls. The coop, despite 2 windows and a large screen door, still gets pretty hot. We use fans for the horses at the barn, but they SWEAT. So the moving air cools them by evaporation. Chickens don't sweat, so will the fan be a benefit?

Please weigh in. I am worried about this heat. I keep the birds outside as much as possible, but there are times when I have to have them inside due to the logistics of 2 (temporarily) separated flocks.

THANKS!


TOB

I added a fan to my coop a few weeks ago, however I did it because I don't have the best ventilation. It' is pointed at the ceiling to help circulate stagnant air, not at the chickens to "cool them off"

 

[County Boy]

x2 I feel the more you do for an animal to make it comfortable, the weaker you make it because they now rely on that comfort from you.

X3.


Love the Silkies in your avatar!!

 

[Lynzi777]

X3.


Love the Silkies in your avatar!!

Thanks!

 

[ke5hde]

The only fans in our coops are exhaust fans. The girls know where the cool spots are and they head right to them in the heat.
I don't put ice in the water since they have a nipple system and a rain barrel. They do get some cold treats here and there but not that often. Today is their lucky day though, I picked a bunch of berries for them, added some water and stuck them in the freezer for a while.

Chris

 

[Tough Old Bird]

On the subject of FANS in the coop --

Thanks for the advice and tips so far. I appreciate the input!

Unfortunately, my chickens cannot free range unless I am outside with them keeping watch, which is just not realistic for any significant stretch of time. Also, we have two large and goofy dogs that were not brought up around chickens and have a strong chase instinct when it comes to critters in their yard. Although it lately seems they "get" that the chickies are part of the family, I still would not trust them alone outside with the birds.

Like Breella, I was thinking to use the fan to move the air around the coop to keep the temp from building. I do understand the rationale to not overdo for your flock, though, as in heating the coop in winter. So it's a struggle for me to decide the best move.

TOB

 

[Tough Old Bird]

Here are 2 photo's I took yesterday of Ursa and Molly, my two Columbian Rocks...the big, busty ladies at the beach, hanging together and being lounge lizards!





Hope it gives you a smile!


TOB

 

[SunnysideupstateNY]

Sorry to hear hear of everyones troubles this weekend. My friend who lost her entire flock to a fox 2 weeks ago (2 weeks from laying age) lost a chick this weekend and had another one act sick. So far the second one seems to be pulling through and the other 4 are doing good.

I am FINALLY making some headway on the new coop! It has doors! I did dutch doors so I can peek in with out having them try to escape on me. Nesting box is going in this weekend! I was thinking of making it "broody friendly" if anyone has any tips on a different feature so I can keep the broody with the flock (I'm banking on my buff orpington to go broody). Size, elevation from bedding etc.

 

[ChickPrincess]

On the subject of FANS in the coop --

Thanks for the advice and tips so far. I appreciate the input!

Unfortunately, my chickens cannot free range unless I am outside with them keeping watch, which is just not realistic for any significant stretch of time. Also, we have two large and goofy dogs that were not brought up around chickens and have a strong chase instinct when it comes to critters in their yard. Although it lately seems they "get" that the chickies are part of the family, I still would not trust them alone outside with the birds.

Like Breella, I was thinking to use the fan to move the air around the coop to keep the temp from building. I do understand the rationale to not overdo for your flock, though, as in heating the coop in winter. So it's a struggle for me to decide the best move.

TOB

I'm the same with respect to not overdoing things for the flock. Because the coop is man made, I add the fan to move around stagnant air. As someone else said, it's not aimed AT the chickens. Mine hangs in front of the door, blowing air OUT of the coop. So I try to suck out the humid, warm air, so that fresher air can be sucked back in through the windows.
I added Rooster Booster to the water this morning and plan to all week due to the heat. Other than that, they find shade and hang out there. I have a pretty good amount of shade in the run, thankfully.

 

[Lynzi777]

On the subject of FANS in the coop --

Thanks for the advice and tips so far.  I appreciate the input!

Unfortunately, my chickens cannot free range unless I am outside with them keeping watch, which is just not realistic for any significant stretch of time.  Also, we have two large and goofy dogs that were not brought up around chickens and have a strong chase instinct when it comes to critters in their yard.  Although it lately seems they "get" that the chickies are part of the family, I still would not trust them alone outside with the birds.

Like Breella, I was thinking to use the fan to move the air around the coop to keep the temp from building.  I do understand the rationale to not overdo for your flock, though, as in heating the coop in winter.  So it's a struggle for me to decide the best move.

TOB

That would be fine and a good idea. I just wouldn't recommend going out of your way to cool your birds off, you want them to learn how to live in these temperatures-hot or cold. But yes circulating the stagnant air won't hurt.

 

[Lynzi777]

I checked out my birds when I got done working, everyone seems good and big free!!! Phew! Not sure if the dawn solution did it or they just never had them to begin with. What a relief! The chicks are still clean too! Time to relax in the sun while this little queen bee of mine swims.....