Where to place coop?

[dixichix]

I am new to forums and to chickens. I need advice on where to place my coop. I have searched myself but get conflicting information. One site is in full sun all day, with maybe some afternoon shade. I worry that the girls would get too hot as i live in one of the hottest most humid parts of the south. The other site is in deep shade all day. In winter the leaves would drop and there would be some sun. The shady site would also be partially covered by my kids' treehouse. It is very woodsy with leaves and the like. Most of my girls are silkies. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[joan1708]

I would go with the shade for sure.

 

[dixichix]

One article I read said shade would stop egg production....but I have seen the effects of sc heat on a chicken. Not pretty!

 

[dixichix]

Anyone else? Thoughts?

 

[4 the Birds]

Sunny spot. A well designed coop and run will create much needed shade. The problem with coops that don't get sun is that they can be damp and moldy. Dry is what you want. Create plenty of ventilation and put a solid roof on the run. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Angelicisi]

I'm in Louisiana, heat the last few days has been upper 80s to 90. I've gotten half the eggs I usually do, but mine are not silkies. I think the heat stress is worse than dim lighting. Adding light is easier than cooling I think. Not much light at all is needed *if* the shade is too dense. They will respond to even a simple bulb should it be needed. But a few hours of severe heat can kill quick.

 

[Angelicisi]

This is a nice coop! Plenty of airflow, light colors to reflect & shade provided by design. My advice is in hindsight of placing in full sun lol with a much less sophisticated coop design! Plan well and any spot you choose can work.

Sunny spot. A well designed coop and run will create much needed shade. The problem with coops that don't get sun is that they can be damp and moldy. Dry is what you want. Create plenty of ventilation and put a solid roof on the run. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[nikki1]

I'd say let nature be your friend. Deciduous trees and vines will shade your coop in summer, but will let in the sun when you need the warmth in winter. I grew up in the Mojave desert, and my dad planted grape vines all over the south and west sides of the house. Worked well.

My own coop has this set-up. Granted, I live in western Washington where summers are short and mild, but my girls definitely appreciate the shade on warm days! I also have lots of open-able windows for a cross breeze. I've never had a problem with excess moisture, but we aren't hot and muggy like some places are in the summer. When it actually gets warm here our humidity goes down. I also keep the water source in the run, so I don't have to contend with spillage.

Hope this helps!

--Nikki

 

[joan1708]

I think your birds will be more comfortable in the shade in a Texas summer. I've read reports from several Texas folks who lost birds in the last few summers due to heat stress. I have mine under holly bushes and I still run fans in the summer. I hope you have A/C or at least a swamp cooler if you plan to put yours in full sun (I'm no expert, but I really think you will regret putting your coop in full sun)

 

[redneck farmer]

You want to have sun in the morning an shade in the after noon so half an half.
So basically put the coop on the east side of a tree/ whatever sun blocker you got, so in the morning it will have sun an in the afternoon when its hot, they will have shade