Clarity on CX sun exposure please?

[figit]

Hey folks, a portion of our tractors allow for full sun exposure and many of our CXs just plop down and bask away. While the temps are relatively mild ranging from mid 70s to high 80s during the day, the sun is intense. I don't want to limit their exposure if it won't cause any harm but I know for sure if I laid out like that I'd likely burn in 30 minutes. They are active, we feed them 12-on/12-off so I'm not concerned with them not being able to physically move to the shade, I'm just wondering if they are smart enough to if they start getting too much sun.

I've searched and the only things I've found is to prevent full exposure in very hot climates so I figured ask y'all. Thanks a ton in advance for any guidance!!!

 

[FunClucks]

Many chickens enjoy dust bathing in the sun. Not sure if CX are smart enough to move once they get too hot, but if you're concerned, you can always cover that portion of their tractor with shade cloth (loosely woven cloth that cuts a portion of the sun out, but still allows exposure). It won't hurt them to get indirect sunlight.

 

[figit]

Many chickens enjoy dust bathing in the sun. Not sure if CX are smart enough to move once they get too hot, but if you're concerned, you can always cover that portion of their tractor with shade cloth (loosely woven cloth that cuts a portion of the sun out, but still allows exposure). It won't hurt them to get indirect sunlight.

Excellent and thanks for the feedback. I have 2x 70% shade tarps that I had planned on using to skirt the exposed areas from gusts as needed but I'll just drape them over the entire welded wire portion/exposed tops. Thanks again!!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Greetings Figit - I'm in the FL Panhandle, we get those temps and hotter with the intense FL sun (when its not raining) for about half the year. 94 today.

I had Cx my first year. They tolerated it, mostly by hiding in the shade, dust bathing, and moving very little most of the day. They aren't great birds for heat tolerance, but then they aren't particularly heart ybirds overall. Intended to grow quick and be slaughtered early.

I was able to keep some of mine over a year, used a hen for breeding - the males couldn't do the deed (combination of factors). So they can be kept in the heat, they just aren't well suited to it.

Try and do your Cx earlier in the year or later, and provide them plenty of shade, you should be fine.

 

[figit]

@U_Stormcrow thanks for the guidance, we grew up in Wakulla & Tallahassee! Will do on the cycle shift next round, easier to keep them warm in the brooder to get a bit of an earlier start in the summer so they never have to deal with early July. Thanks again!

 

[HenriettaPizzaNolan]

They are smart enough to move away if they need to. I've even seen CX dust bathe. As long as you provide both sun and shade, and don't let them get so fat they can't move themselves, they'll be fine.

 

[cassie]

CX are not heat tolerant. I ordered mine in the early spring so they would be processed before the heat hit and in the early fall after the worst of the heat had passed.

 

[FunClucks]

CX are not heat tolerant. I ordered mine in the early spring so they would be processed before the heat hit and in the early fall after the worst of the heat had passed.

I've been trying out the Freedom Ranger White Rangers as a CX substitute. They are more tolerant so far of the heat, but are a 3m broiler, not 2m.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I've been trying out the Freedom Ranger White Rangers as a CX substitute. They are more tolerant so far of the heat, but are a 3m broiler, not 2m.

Would appreciate you sharing your experiences with them after you have done a batch or two. They have some (advertised) traits that would be beneficial in my culling project _ I'm considering bringing a few in as potential breeders.

 

[FunClucks]

Would appreciate you sharing your experiences with them after you have done a batch or two. They have some (advertised) traits that would be beneficial in my culling project _ I'm considering bringing a few in as potential breeders.

Here's my progress thread, with comparison to the other breeds I've tried. I think they'd be a worthy addition to your program. For breeders, I'd keep them on no more than 20% protein feed throughout.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...rnish-rock-cross-and-ginger-broilers.1626577/