Our Hillbilly Swamp Cooler

[silkiechicken]

Quote:
It works as a simple heat exchanger. The energy from the fan causes the warm air to go through the towel. This air water interface causes the water to evaporate, this evaporation causes the temperature of the water on the towl to decrease and thus cool the air. Air on the down wind side will be cooler as energy was removed though evaporation of the water, energy meaning heat.

 

[Do I look like a chicken]

I hope everyone with overheated chickens on these hot summer days sees this post. We live in Oregon and are not suffering the heat as many of you are, but I feel your pain. I used to live in Lincoln, NE where those hot and humid summer days could nearly become unbearable. I always felt so bad for the poor animals that had to stay out in it all the time. It's good to see folks going out of their way to make their animals more comfortable. Hope this heatwave ends soon for you all.

Mike

 

[Dawn419]

Thanks Standard Hen and cookinmom!

dragonlili,

I hadn't thought about putting ice in the tub, its a good idea but I'm running out of room in the freezer as I'm making ice blocks for my drinking water & Gatorade. We need to get our deep freezer fixed, then it would be ice blocks for everyone, rabbits included.

Chelly,

I did set one up in our trailer last year as we don't have central heat & air...we ended up being indoor mosquito farmers, accidentally.

Chickemee,

Thank You!

silkiechicken,

Thanks for your excellent expaination! I couldn't have explained it so well. Learned the concept when DH & I worked part-time at an Orchid greenhouse.

Do I look like a chicken,

Love your name! I suspect I'm starting to look like some of our gang...definately got the long, skinny legs happening!

Today is supposed to be our last day of 100's then a refreshing dip down into the 90's for a week, with a threat of showers next Friday. Believe it or not, 90's will feel good. It was like climbing into the kitchen stove today instead of going outdoors. Still sweating as I type this. We've been dreaming of living in the PNW with this heat wave.

Dawn

 

[AccidentalFarm]

Hot? I wish I could say it was just hot! It's positively, unbelievable, roasting down here in South Texas. I've felt so sorry for the birds that we've decided to put air conditioning in the coop. I tried a swamp cooler, but it couldn't beat our heat.

I do think I'll try your Hillbilly Swamp Cooler (Love it!) out in their yard, though. They have a small wading pool in the shade out there that they love. They stand in it so much that I sometimes think I could throw in some carrots and noodles in the morning and have chicken soup by the end of the day!

 

[Standard Hen]

LOL

 

[speckledhen]

Good idea! Swamp coolers really only can work well in a dry climate. I had them on my house in Utah when we were in the Air Force, but with our extreme humidity, it won't be as effective here in Ga. I can see some effect, though, if the water is ice water that is wicking up the towel. I'll try anything to keep from losing a bird. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Bebop]

I'm such a dork. Everyone gets mad, but I have my chickens come inside when it gets hot. lol >^.^<

 

[Dawn419]

Accidental Farm,

Love the mental image of you chicken soup!

Here's hoping you'll get a break from this heat also!

Speckledhen,

We've had lower than normal humidity during this heat wave. Not sure if that is a good thing or bad?

Bebop,

We live in a mobile home & only have AC in our bedroom, so it is actually "cooler" outside. Scary thought, huh?

Dawn

 

[Chickemee]

Hey Bebop! How are your chickens anyway? And i dont think your a dork cause i do the same thing when my chickens get to hot.

 

[Iamaqte]

My chickens go in the barn and lay on the cool cement when it gets too hot out. I even moved my rabbits in the barn cause the temperature difference is wonderful!

We have been luck up here in Pa - We have a day or two of hot and then the temperature goes down. Tomorrow it is suppose to be 78. I am ecstatic I can get some work done outside without dying from the heat...

I am sorry to hear some of yous have to deal with unbearable heat. I will think of cool thoughts for you!!