Too Much Shade?

[momtobogey]

My husband and I enclosed a space behind our shed in the corner of our yard. We put a small pre-fab coop/run in the enclosure. My concern is this area gets absolutely no morning sun, since our neighbor's tree hangs over into this corner of our yard. This area gets some afternoon sun. I currently only have 2 pullets, (I needed to rehome the rooster) and will be getting 2 older (2+ yrs) hens and their coop next week. How much sun do they need?

 

[Hendrika]

Hi! I don't know how much sun is neccesary, but can share some of my experience with a shady coop. I live in very close woods. In summer my coop only gets a bit of sun in the late morning. In winter there is a bit more light because there's no leaves on most trees. The chickens do prefer the sunny spots when available but do not seems bothered otherwise. They also rest in the shade, even when sun is available. It also does not seem to affect their laying of eggs.
However, under the canopy it can be very humid. I have had several problems (respatory issues) that i think were worse because of humidity. So i do everything to keep coop and floor dry and ventilated.

 

[aart]

How much sun do they need?

Well, they are not like plants that need so many hours of direct sun a day.
Sometimes deep shade is good if you live where it's hot.
Hard to say how much shade is too much.
Is the tree deciduous or evergreen?
Can you post some pics of the area at different times of the day?

 

[Homesteadermomma6382]

I try to keep my small coop in as much shade a possible. This is my "tween" coop. I put my 4-12 week old chicks in it until they ae big enough to go into my fenced yard with my bigger chickens. The fenced yard has a giant pine tree that gives great shade. They also roost in it. My chickens try to avoid the sun until evening hours when it starts to cool down.

 

[momtobogey]

Well, they are not like plants that need so many hours of direct sun a day.
Sometimes deep shade is good if you live where it's hot.
Hard to say how much shade is too much.
Is the tree deciduous or evergreen?
Can you post some pics of the area at different times of the day?

This first pic is at 7:20am

 

[momtobogey]

This second pic is at 10am

 

[momtobogey]

3rd pic at 12:30 today

 

[aart]

I think that's plenty of light for them.

 

[neo71665]

My setup is about the same but I done it on purpose because it gets so hot during the summer.

 

[momtobogey]

I think that's plenty of light for them.

Thank you! I guess it's just me since I'm a summer morning sun lover!