Worried about the heat

[Mariah2257]

Hello! I am new to the chicken experience, but loving it so far. I have 2 RIR that are going on 4 weeks. I have been working on their coop and run. I ordered a small coop and put it together myself. Here is the problem. I live in north Florida, it is 87-90 during the day right now, and its not summer yet, and 75ish at night. I bought a shade awning to hang over the coop to keep it cool, but I noticed it is pretty warm inside. I would like to move them out there in a week or two, but I am worried they will get too hot. The coop has a window, and the run is in 2 parts, it has a small run under the coop, and a larger one off to the side. I was thinking of keeping the small run door open to increase air flow, but I also want to try the lock them inside for 3 days so they know its home before allowing them access to the run, but I don't want to bake them.. It's a small coop big enough for 2-4 birds, so installing a fan system or anything like that, there is just no room really. I live in a suburban neighborhood so predators are not a big issue, and I buried metal hardware mesh all the way around the bottom just in case. How do I train them to know their new home and keep them from baking? I cant keep them in the house all summer.

Thanks!

 

[3riverschick]

How about replacing the door the chickens use to go into the coop
with one made of hardware cloth? That would keep out predators
and give them more air. Is this one of those coops with the door
in the floor?
Best,
Karen

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I would just skip the locking them in part and let them have access to the run if they want to use it. Though, that means you'll probably have to go inside and put them in the coop when its bedtime. Are you able to do that?

If not, maybe keep some frozen milk jugs in the coop while they're locked up to help cool them off.

Good luck!

 

[Mariah2257]

This is the coop I have
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00859JJAU/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


It might work to remove the door and put hardware cloth, or build a new door with hardware cloth in the center.
There's a front door and a side door.

and yes I am able to put them to bed every night, if I do it this way will they eventually learn
to put themselves to bed?

 

[Mariah2257]

I took your advice and changed the front door, I took out the center and made it
hardware cloth. It gives the coop more air, and much needed light, was just too dark in there.

 

[ChickenLegs13]

I've never locked a chicken in a coop for 3 days. Just put them in the roost section at night and they'll soon get the idea.