Too Much Sun?

[Ravie]

Hi all,

My first chickens ever are 4 1/2 weeks old and are fully feathered. My husband has nearly finished their hoop coop (it needs a tarp and the rope for pulling) but since it's fully enclosed now, I thought I'd let the birds out of their stinky old brooder and out to play and eat! Today's weather is beautiful. Partially cloudy, breezy and in the mid 70's. The birds seem comfortable with the temperature. They have lots of food and water.

My question is this:

Should I worry about the birds getting sunburned? They're mostly in the sun right now but there are a few spots of shade in the coop. I placed a large cardboard box on its side in the coop so they can rest in there, but I'm not entirely sure they're clever enough to use it. I can't move the coop to a shady spot since it doesn't have a rope AND I'm 7 months pregnant with twins!

 

[dawnchick]

They should do fine in today's weather, as long as they can get out of the wind or sun if they wish. Yes, they can get too much sun and can get sunburned, though they are likely to get in the shade on hot bright days -- mine all go in the coop during the bright middle of the day -- I live in the southern US.

 

[Ravie]

Do you think they'd be smart enough to go into the box if they need to? This is not their first time outside, but it is their first time being outside for more than an hour. This is also their first time in the coop. They're 4.5 weeks old.

 

[oesdog]

Quote:
The chicks should be fine as long as they have shade and lots of water!!!!!!
Ha ha -

I laugh at you pregnant with twins!!!!!

- I can do that because my twins are now 23yrs old! ( Identical Boys!) Not really funny when it is sooo hot is it. My belly was out to the end of my knees and I only managed to get to 26 weeks before I had mine. I think your a bit further on than I managed so good for you! Hope it all goes well for you.

Oesdog -

 

[Ravie]

Thanks Oesdog.

We're expecting identical twin girls and I thank God for every day they stay inside me. But this nasty summer heat and my large size are killing me! Slowly.

I'm glad the chicks should be fine. They're so happy and my garage smells so chickeny (also not something I am dealing well with!).

 

[dawnchick]

Yep, chickens may not be real smart, but they are smart enough to find shade, heat, a cooler area, etc. when they need to.

 

[Ravie]

Thanks Dawnchick. I really want them to stay out, expecially since it's hard (and probably very comical) for round little me to catch them!

 

[oesdog]

Quote:
I hope you go full term and I can certainly empathise with you even though my twins are 23yrs old its something you don;t forget! Yeap you do kinda get big! I got so big that it took me an hour and a half to get home from the corner shop!!!!!! And I sat on my MILs Sofa and it broke down the middle - oops!

Thinking of you - still laughing though! Hope you don;t burst! -

Oesdog -