Significant Weather Changes

[HeatherKellyB]

I have 4 flocks, with the oldest being 13 months Old and the youngest 14 weeks old. I have all sizes, some LF and bantams. I am in central NC, where we have mild winters and it usually goes from winter to summer, and then back, but there is time to acclimate. Spring and Fall are extremely short lived. We've already had Temps in the 90's in the past couple of weeks. Since yesterday, we've had very unseasonable weather, where the high is in the low 60's and lows in the 50's. By the weekend/beginning of next week, we'll be back to the 90's. How do chickens fare in such drastically changing weather? Of course the warmer Temps seem even more warm whenever they come on so suddenly. I'm concerned about my flocks well-being in a few days when the heat is back. I'm also concerned for my broody silkie and the eggs she's on that are at Day 18 today. Is there anything I can do to help my chickens? Thank you

 

[Doc7]

90 to 50 is nothing for an animal like a chicken

 

[ameliathedominant]

yes chickens are very hardy to high and low temps

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Thank you. It's so crazy that they were just panting and I was working on trying to cool them down and even considering ways to open their coop more to help with overnight heat. Last night, I was thankful I didn't make any drastic changes but they'll be miserable again in a few days. I am not a fan of summer weather

 

[ameliathedominant]

as long as they have cool water and a place out of the sun they will be fine

 

[Doc7]

Thank you. It's so crazy that they were just panting and I was working on trying to cool them down and even considering ways to open their coop more to help with overnight heat. Last night, I was thankful I didn't make any drastic changes but they'll be miserable again in a few days. I am not a fan of summer weather

can you post a pic of the coop? Sounds like it might need more ventilation. There’s no way you could have too much where you live.

 

[ameliathedominant]

true pls do that

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Unfortunately I don't have a picture on my phone and I am working. I've got a lot going on this week, but I will try to get pictures this afternoon or tomorrow. It's raining heavily off and on, so that's another hindering factor of my picture taking. I agree, that in my area, it's nearly impossible to have too much ventilation. They have adequate ventilation now, but I'd like to add more.

 

[ameliathedominant]

ok thats alright

 

[3KillerBs]

I'm also in the NC Sandhills and this is what I went with for my coop: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/renovating-the-little-monitor-roof-coop.1382615/

When it was in deep shade on the in-town property it was never any warmer inside than outside. I added the new window because this property doesn't have that kind of deep shade available.

I'm far from an expert, but I think that "No hotter inside than outside" is a good indicator for adequate ventilation.