Really Hot Day and Chicks

[TinaG]

Tomorrow is predicted to be our first really hot day of the summer - 102 F. My chicks are 1 week old and brooding outdoors in their coop. I've got a large Coke bottle in the freezer and am planning on putting that in the coop with them tomorrow in case the heat gets too much for them.

 

[Kernel Cluck]

This is just up my alley. Last year when we got our first chicks, we where in the middle of the hottest 3 months in Wisconsin history. At one point we had 4 -2 liter bottles with frozen water in them. We had spare ones to change out. The other thing I did was hang a ice bottle it front of a fan and had it blowing over the top of the brooder box. Not on them but over the top of the box. Tthey all survived but it was a struggle. I have heard of others putting them in the bathtub in the house to help keep them from heat stroke. Good luck.

 

[TinaG]

The other thing I thought about doing was putting a baking sheet in the coop with some damp sand.

 

[TinaG]

Looks like I mis-heard the forecast. It's Tues, Wed and Thursday that are forecast for 100-102 F. You know, I love the 65 F winters in South Texas, but two or three months of upper 90's to 110 F sure does get to be a real trial. I feel like the chicks. As I get older it's harder to take really hot weather.

 

[Kernel Cluck]

Sand will be cooler than pine shavings or other bedding.