What would you do?

[123RedBeard]

I have a largeish yard for my area

I can't really imagine what I'd call large, being in LI ... can you give approximately either feet or acre(s)?

BTW a coop in the middle of an acre or two is not too far for them to go get a drink.

 

[Ribh]

I do that too! Iv'e got four eight gallon plastic water cooler jugs I fill and put in the deep freeze.
They're big enough to perch on if the girls want. I wrap them in old towels so they wont be slippery and they looove them!
Great excersise for me too!

lol Yes! I found mine cuddling right up to them & my chookies were lovely & cool despite the heat.

 

[blackdog043]

I have water in the coop and run, I don't put any in the yard. They go back and just hang out in the run sometimes anyway, even when they don't have to.

 

[Crazychickenmama8]

I can't really imagine what I'd call large, being in LI ... can you give approximately either feet or acre(s)?

BTW a coop in the middle of an acre or two is not too far for them to go get a drink.

Lol, unfortunately you’re right. I’m on 3/4 of an acre and my back yard is about 100x60.

 

[123RedBeard]

You don't need extra waterer's then ... they got feet!

 

[perchie.girl]

Parts of Oz have been experiencing severe heat this summer so we have been pooling ideas. Glad to pass along what we've learnt collectively.

I have heard about some of the wild population suffering. So Sad...

I am in the desert and we get up to about 110 for a few days in the summer. During that time the Chickens spend their time napping in the shade or in their coop. I dont use a wooden coop I use dog kennels. Very secure for my predators.

The coop has a full on tarp that covers the whole thing with panels that can be added for winter.... But we ALWAYS need shade... The coop is the most shaded spot.

Always keep the water in the shade It can get very hot if you dont. I prefer NOT to use Waterers of any kind except water tubs.... Two gallons filled Automatically with a float valve... Each partition has their own.

The only additional cooling I do is hose down the interer of the coop Shavings and all... Especially during the heat of the day. Thats at the time that the Ground has absorbed as much heat as possible and begins to radiate it back up .... That is around 1 or 2 pm.

I have also considered building a big sand box with a liner.... This can be filled with sand and then sprinkled down to make it like a sandy beach when the waves have receded. This way they can cool their feet....

deb

 

[The Lazy L]

You don't need extra waterer's then ... they got feet!

My thought too.
My Ladies have 24 x 7 access to their feed and waterer in their run. Besides, who likes to watch hippy ladies waddling around? The exercise will help harm them!

 

[Abdalnassir]

As a rule of thumb in hot weather water should be within 100 meters max from the birds at any given time. carefull though water will attract wild birds which may carry some diseases such as Newcastle disease, vaccines should be administered