Texas

[RoosterCogburn7]

Little earth worm? Cute. ( the ones by my dads place in south Texas get over six foot. He calls the little ones earth worms and the big ones rattle boas. )

Still deadly though.

I know. We used to have a competition on who could shoot the rattle snake in the head first.

 

[Fire Ant Farm]

How do you introduce your chicks into their outdoor coop in hot weather? Any tips specific to the transition from air conditioning? (Everything I read seems to focus on it being warm enough - not a problem here...)

The coop and permanent run are in the shade (coop gets a few hours morning sun, run in permanent shade under a tree) - I plan to let them out in a movable tractor once a day.

I've read that you're supposed to lock them in the coop for a few days so they learn that it's home but not to do it at over 90F. That would have me with chickens indoors until October or November...

- Ant Farm

 

[RoosterCogburn7]

How do you introduce your chicks into their outdoor coop in hot weather? Any tips specific to the transition from air conditioning? (Everything I read seems to focus on it being warm enough - not a problem here...)

The coop and permanent run are in the shade (coop gets a few hours morning sun, run in permanent shade under a tree) - I plan to let them out in a movable tractor once a day.

I've read that you're supposed to lock them in the coop for a few days so they learn that it's home but not to do it at over 90F. That would have me with chickens indoors until October or November...

- Ant Farm

Water is important. A panting chicken is in distress. We have been vigilant about the water situation, and there are actually some electrolytes you can put in their water to help with their hydration.

 

[henless]

How do you introduce your chicks into their outdoor coop in hot weather? Any tips specific to the transition from air conditioning? (Everything I read seems to focus on it being warm enough - not a problem here...)

The coop and permanent run are in the shade (coop gets a few hours morning sun, run in permanent shade under a tree) - I plan to let them out in a movable tractor once a day.

I've read that you're supposed to lock them in the coop for a few days so they learn that it's home but not to do it at over 90F. That would have me with chickens indoors until October or November...

- Ant Farm

I've never heard to not put them in the coop if it's over 90. If you have one of those enclosed coops, with little to no ventilation, then I can understand not to do it at 90 or more. Be like putting them in an oven.

Put them out there in the morning when it's cooler. Make sure they have plenty of water/shade. If it's really hot, turn a fan on to circulate the air. Do you plan on letting them free range? If not, then you don't have to lock them in the "coop". Give them access to coop and run so they can move around and find a cooler spot. Mine like to dig down in the deep litter and into the dirt.

My hens got their fan turned on today. Not much breeze blowing and got pretty warm/humid this afternoon. It was 95 in the barn. I usually turn it on when it gets in the 90's.

 

[kenmlang]

How do you introduce your chicks into their outdoor coop in hot weather? Any tips specific to the transition from air conditioning? (Everything I read seems to focus on it being warm enough - not a problem here...)

The coop and permanent run are in the shade (coop gets a few hours morning sun, run in permanent shade under a tree) - I plan to let them out in a movable tractor once a day.

I've read that you're supposed to lock them in the coop for a few days so they learn that it's home but not to do it at over 90F. That would have me with chickens indoors until October or November...

- Ant Farm

Another thing you can do is put some ice in their water supply 2 to 3 times daily. This helps with keeping their body temp down, and they will thank you for it. The best thing, if you can do it, is to let them free-range as much as possible. Eventually they will figure out where "home" is.

 

[kenmlang]

They are nothing but tree rats.

I know, but they taste good!!! Squirrel stew is the best!! Although, at this moment, I am pondering on how to make a mosquito stew. LOL. They are as big as hawks around here!!

 

[kenmlang]

New to this thread. I'M in Mauriceville,Texas. The self named crawfish capital

From Cut-N-Shoot!!! The squirrel fighting force of the world!!

 

[JRNash]

Ive drove through it many times. If you blink, you passed it.lol

 

[kenmlang]

Ive drove through it many times. If you blink, you passed it.lol

You have to blink twice now, we are growing!!

 

[JRNash]

That's good to know.lol