Temperature swing dangers, can someone elaborate?

[thecatumbrella]

I'm planning to bring my 13 week-old pekin bantams into the basement to ride out the worst of the heatwave. It's 68 degrees down there. What I'm struggling with is when to put them back out. I'd like to do it Wednesday morning, when it will be 74 degrees at 6am. The problem is it's once again heating to 90 degrees that afternoon. Is that going to affect them after spending almost 2 days in my 68 degree basement? Thursday's weather will be perfect to transition out, but I'd like to get them back to the pen ASAP if possible.

They obviously face similar temperature swings in their day to day (it was quite temperate before the heatwave, which they've handled well so far), so I'm a little confused as to what type of temperature swing is dangerous for chickens. I know you don't want to heat your coop in winter for this reason, should you lose power.

Any clarification is much appreciated!

And for anyone wondering why I'm bringing them in... we're temporarily using a prefab coop with crappy ventilation, and the 7 girls still puddle onto 24" of roost space (they have two, 43" bars... ). If someone has a tip for teaching them to spread out, I'm all ears!

Edited to add a video of their nighttime shenanigans, if anyone needs a laugh.

 

[Mrs. K]

I don't have pekin Bantams - but what chickens really need in a heat wave is shade and water. Wetting down the bedding can help. One must check the shade at several times a day as it moves through out the day - especially late afternoon. 5:00 tends to be the hottest. Wet water needs to be available, it doesn't have to be cold.

I have had chickens be just fine in 112 degrees heat. They panted, and held their wings out, and laying of eggs slowed, but they did fine.

If there is space to spread out, they will do so when they need to, but not necessarily when you think they need to. Trust them.

As for temperature fluctuations, in SD, we have widely swinging temperatures. Friday it was 107 late afternoon, today early this morning 42 degrees - more than 60 degree fluctuation.

I will add that we tend to be dry climate - low humidity, that might make a difference - but I would not take them to the basement. I would not lock them in that coop either, that way, if the coop is too hot - well they will move outside.

Mrs K

 

[thecatumbrella]

I will add that we tend to be dry climate - low humidity, that might make a difference - but I would not take them to the basement.

Whoops. They followed me inside, I swear!

I completely agree with everything you said. We actually have a really good system in the run with a solid roof, moveable shade cloth walls, a greenhouse fan, and a watering system to keep it cool. I think the problem is what you said - humidity. It's driving up the heat index to 105+ with zero wind. I went out to visit them around 10am and felt like I was going to pass out.

You did give me the confidence to throw them back in the pen Wednesday morning. It will be hot, but the humidity will be over.

I'll feel a lot better once we have a ventilated coop built and they grow some combs and wattles. Maybe it's my imagination, but I feel like pullets tend to suffer in the heat more than hens. The Pekins have done shockingly well for something that's so feathered! My d'Uccle is more svelte like a traditional chicken and is always the first to pant.

I appreciate you weighing in, Mrs K!