It's supposed to be in the upper 90's all week. That being said it is easier for one of the girls to die from heat than it is from the cold. I have been reading on how to keep the girls nice and cool and there are many techniques that can be used. I tried frozen water bottles in the coop, but they were just super skeptical. I thought maybe they would sit by them or even on top of them to cool off (ok, I may have done a little demonstration for them) but no luck. They literally stared at me and I could tell they were contemplating what the hell I was thinking.
Water bottles.......... no good. Enter the mister.
Nothing fancy, but it works. I got the 9.99 Home depot special and ran a water hose all the way to the back. I turn it on intermittently throughout the day to keep them nice and cool. They love the water from it and they also love the wet ground it creates. It's their favorite part of the coop to scratch around in once the mister is off. They still pant and spread their wings because the heat is ridiculous, but I think it helps throughout the day. Aaaaannnnd Global warming.....end scene.
Another tip I have been using is putting electrolytes in their water. I went to the local feed store and got a bottle of the good stuff. I add a teaspoon per gallon to their water. It does not affect the taste and I know that this simple step keeps them well hydrated.
I am also going to get a battery powered fan to put in the henhouse for the nights it doesn't drop below 90. The circulation and ventilation will help for when it gets super bad in mid June and July. Since the heat is already offensive now, I can't imagine what its going to be like in a few months.
Anyone else have any other tips to beat the heat?
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| I love Chicken Shit |
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