Quick question: Chickens hanging out indoors too much?

[LaFemmeKatia]

Do most of you close the door to the coop during the day when you have the chickens out, or leave it open so they can run in and out all day?
My girls are 9 weeks old and although they do play outside in the run a little bit, it’s been hot out and they mostly hang out inside.

 

[chickenlittle21]

Have you tried putting food and water in their run? Or putting watermelon in the run?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I leave the pop door open all day every day and let them decide where they want to be, summer or winter. They know a lot more about where they feel comfortable than I do.

 

[FortCluck]

I leave all my coops open all day. My chickens stay outside of the coop all day because their feed and water is out in their large run.

If they’re hanging in the coop, it must be the coolest part of the area. Maybe find more ways to shade your run or make little hideouts so they get out more.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Have you tried putting food and water in their run? Or putting watermelon in the run?

Yes to the food and water. I will have to buy them a watermelon!

 

[Mrs. K]

Your chickens know more about being a chicken than either of us. I do as Ridgerunner does, I let them decide.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

This is better than watermelon, tho I do give them the rinds when I have some.
The ripe flesh part is for me!
Give it all to them and you can expect to see lots of purplish juicy poops the next day.


Deep all day shade is best but....I don't have much of that.
This has worked very well to keep heat stress/stroke at bay:

I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

This is better than watermelon, tho I do give them the rinds when I have some.
The ripe flesh part is for me!
Give it all to them and you can expect to see lots of purplish juicy poops the next day.


Deep all day shade is best but....I don't have much of that.
This has worked very well to keep heat stress/stroke at bay:

I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

Thanks! Good advice!

 

[Folly's place]

Mine follow the shade when it's warm outside, and can go in or out anytime all day.
Mary