Shade cloth color

[eikome]

Since I built a new coop and run last fall, I need a new shade cloth to fit the new run. Are there any downsides/benefits to using a silver shade cloth vs a black shade cloth?

I used a black 60% shade cloth in the past over their old clear panel roof in the summer and it worked fine enough for that purpose. The new run has a shaded panel roof (UV coated, 35% light transmission), so it doesn't need the shade cloth up there anymore, but I want to put a shade cloth vertically on the side of the run that faces south/west to keep the hot late afternoon sun out even more.

Anyone use the silver and like it? Or should I stick with the black?

Located in upstate NY, summers regularly hit 90F+ now with extreme humidity and very little wind. It's like walking through air soup out there most of the summer.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Either color should be fine, I think it comes to personal preference.

For side walls, I actually use greenish black because I like the color. I have 70% and 90%. Either one helps, not perfect, but you can tell a difference in temperature that's for sure.

I get mine from amazon, depending on the brand you get or how you search they have a large range of colors to choose from - light tan/beige, grey, black, green, etc.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I was just thinking about this today! I traditionally use black because that's what's available in the most sizes. But wouldn't white or a lighter color be more effective since it will better reflect sunlight? Or course, it will look like a giant eyesore, but perhaps it can buy a few degrees difference.

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

We use black. I think it would depend on how reflective the silver is and if the sun would hit the silver side anytime during the day. We have galvanized planting beds in the garden, and if the sun is just right they'll nearly blind you!

 

[sals_chicks]

ours are a light tan color & seemingly works fine?

 

[D Uccle Uncle]

... I want to put a shade cloth vertically on the side of the run that faces south/west to keep the hot late afternoon sun out even more.

...summers regularly hit 90F+ now with extreme humidity and very little wind.

Remember that using shade cloth vertically will be effective in blocking whatever wind you have.

The afternoon sun is not hotter than the morning sun. The difference is that heat has been building up all day. The sun is the "hottest" when directly overhead.

I'm not certain of your run layout, but do first pay attention to where the chickens tend to congregate during different times in the day, particularly the afternoon. They may favor a location with the more airflow over one less shady. To then provide high shade over that location should help help optimize their comfort.

I'm in the desert and use the inexpensive black shade cloths. There is a silver type that is superior, but what I have works.