So how many of us have AC in their coops?

[Chicks_N_Horses]

We have a big industrial shop fan that blows down through the coops. That keeps them cool. I have their coops all in the woodline anyways so not much sunshine to bake them. I doubt I would ever put an AC in with the chickens....LOL Horses might get one but they don't even have a fan as of right now. They like to go splash cool creek water on them or stay hidden in the barn.

 

[NarleevilleClucks]

I really dig having chickens but if I have to get them an ac unit they may not be as up my alley as I thought. I do have their coop under the trees. I live in the mid-atalntic region and it gets hot and humid, but I can't imagine that farmers have ac in thier coops. My chix are free range and have trees to get under for shade and I would put out a kiddie pool to frolic in but AC is a deal breaker...

 

[Mahonri]

I was just amazed at how quickly it cooled down the coop... I think if I had insulation for the coop it would get cold.... and at $99 plus tax, I couldn't pass it up... of course that's what 6 bags of layer feed cost me...

 

[Southern Gardener]

http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplies/prod1;ft1_cooling_exhaust_fans-ft1_fogging_systems_1-ft1_low_pressure_fogging_systems_2;pg102323.html

Anyone have something like this? I thought I'd try it. We've got three fans running now - one inside the coop, one in the run and one one on our younger chickens - I thought these would help.

 

[rufus]

Quote:
You will let us know if the egg production goes up won't you?

Rufus

 

[AZKat]

Quote:
I'd be willing to bet, and I'm not a betting woman, that those 'summer colds' were allergies caused by the fungus, mold and bacteria that was growing on the pads. It can be a problem, if the pads are not kept scrupulously clean, and there is also stuff that can be put in the water to keep the nasties from growing. Also, the newer evaporative coolers aren't as prone to this problem as the old style ones are.

 

[greathorse]

yeah they work very well here in Colorado as we have a dry climate virtually all the time. Many many homes and businesses use them. I have never heard of respritory issues as a result. I am sure they cost more than 108 dollars, that is a bargain.

Those 110 plus temps in Arizona are brutal. I have never lived there but used to go there a lot for business. Was forced to play a company golf thing 115 degrees when we teed off. I would not want to be a chicken or anything else in those temps.

 

[CityChook]

I graduated from ASU and now live in the midwest, so both severe heat and cold are not lost on me. They really are similar, just on opposite ends of the spectrum. I heat my coop, you cool yours. I say whatever works is good. And at that price, why not try it? Hey, hobbies aren't cheap. I'm sure your chickens are very glad for the addition and it sounds like it's working out just fine.

 

[CountryMom]

Quote:
Mahonri, I don't have a/c unit in our chicken coop because the upper half of my entire coop is wire. I have three big fans in there and the same goes for my quail barn. However, I do have an enclosed barn for our guinea pig operation. I use an a/c unit in there year round practically. Ok, so maybe not a couple of months, but we are in South Texas and heat is an issue. I would HIGHLY suggest you get some foam type filter you can cut to fit the front of your a/c unit. Then use duct tape and put it over the outside of the vents for the intack. Clean it out every couple of days along with the one provided on the inside of the unit. Also Lowes and I am sure home depot will carry a spray coil cleaner. That will help you extend the life of your unit. I have learned the hard way and have an extra unit on hand at all times. Those little cheap ones are good for only 6 to 8 months. For me that is a problems because a/c units are usually a seasonaly item. When everyone else up north is using their heater, I am in need of a new a/c unit and there are none to be found. Also make sure to have enough drain holes in the unit to allow it to not get clogged up.

 

[Paws2u]

We just put a very small ac in our small coop that was insulated very well when it was built. The ac has a thermostat and keeps the coop very nice and dry (78deg). The heat and humidity here gets unbearable, especially at night, and I just can't stand to see any animal (especially mine) to be suffering. The girls were panting very late into the night and our egg numbers diminished greatly. Numbers are coming up and I can sleep better knowing the girls are not suffering so. My husband does too!

And I know, I know...my eggs have become very expensive.