Which option is better for my chicks and their mama? More sunny or more shade?

[ozzy chooks]

Hello,

Recently my broody hatched 6 chicks (so cute! here some pics and videos https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-also-a-very-bossy-hen.1227759/#post-19696320)

I have a question about the best place for their coop (see attached a pic of the coop).

The temperature here is as follow:

• during the day it can be hot and reach 30 deg C (86F). Today it will be 25 deg C (77F).
• at night now in Autumn it can get cold usually around 9C (48F). Last night was quite chilly at 5.7C (42F).

Should I rather place the coop in full shade all day or in a warmer spot with the sun shining on?
Will they stand better heat or cold? Keeping in mind the temperatures are only getting lower. My broody is doing a great job .

Thanks for your advice

 

[chuckachucka]

I would say that they shouldn't be somewhere exposed to the sun all day. So if the option is full shade or full sun, go with full shade. Chickens seem to handle mild cold better than heat Imo and chicks will get all the heat they need from their mother.

 

[ozzy chooks]

In my backyard there are also spots that can be in the sun only for few hours. But I get your point, so I can leave the coop where it is in full shade all day long.

Thanks Chuckachucka.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I like to try and give options.

Is there a way you can move it so summer is full shade and winter gets more sun?

If you can set it so the house part has its back to the setting sun they could have morning sun and evening shade.

 

[lazy gardener]

I would go for shade, especially with your location. What are your temps now? Highs and lows? You're heading into winter.

 

[ozzy chooks]

Good general advice @21hens-incharge, thank you.

I am looking for advice on where to place the coop right now. My bad I should have specified it.
I have another bigger coop for my ladies where all will go when they chicks grow up and ready to be introduce to the flock. And there they will be free range and have sunny spots and shades under trees. The coop is temporary to protect the chicks from any possible bossy hen.

 

[ozzy chooks]

I would go for shade, especially with your location. What are your temps now? Highs and lows? You're heading into winter.

Current temperatures are in my initial post

 

[chuckachucka]

A spot that gets sun in the early morning or early evening (I.e. Not in the hottest hours of the day) would be perfect. They do love a bit of sun but highs of 30c will be a bit tough on them, whereas lows of 5 at night are fine.

 

[lazy gardener]

My bad. Definitely shade. Or dappled/semi shade if you have it.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Good general advice @21hens-incharge, thank you.

I am looking for advice on where to place the coop right now. My bad I should have specified it.
I have another bigger coop for my ladies where all will go when they chicks grow up and ready to be introduce to the flock. And there they will be free range and have sunny spots and shades under trees. The coop is temporary to protect the chicks from any possible bossy hen.

Ah that makes sense now.

Yes shade or part shade is easier on them then blazing sun.