"Florida HEAT and HUMIDITY Ready Coop!"

[CitrusMan]

I know it'll be a few months, but the heat is coming!!

I built a new coop (6'X6'X5' inside) and I'm doing everything I can to make it "Florida Heat" ready.

- I have plenty of ventilation.
- The coop is up off of the ground about 12", so crosswind will help circulate air underneath.
- I have light fabric "drapes" loosely hung over the vents to cut down on direct sunlight.
- I have a small solar exhaust fan inside the coop, which will stay open during the day.
- I will hang and run a box fan in the run during the day to circulate air. (For $15 if it lasts a year, I got my money's worth!) It will blow air across the top of the run and into the coop.
- The coop and run are covered with tin roof panels, so there is shade. I have an 80% solar reflective elastomeric paint that am going to coat the top with to reflect the heat.
- I am strongly considering foaming underneath the metal roof to help with lowering temperature and to cut down on condensation inside the coop. (Check out this quick video: https://youtu.be/8HMm2k9nfkM )

Anything else y'all can think of to make the girls more comfortable in this Florida heat? Thanks!

 

[SunHwaKwon]

If you can, I would raise it higher. One of mine is raised 2' and even that is a PITA if I need to get under there for something (wayward eggs or to catch a chicken or collect a body). Your coop is smaller than mine but 12" is still not a lot of reaching space.

I'll follow along since I'll be moving to Texas in a few months and can use similar ideas.

 

[CitrusMan]

It's a little bit higher than a foot, I'd say about 18 or 19 in. It is still a pain to get under there, however I can get under there when I have to I've done it a few times. If anything, I have a 4 year old that will get under there if need be. Not to retrieve a body, but everything else I'm sending him under there for.

 

[RUNuts]

Plant a tree for more shade or a bush. I'm really liking the Barbados Cherry. Been researching for a bit now and think that I've finally decided. Also want to try Maypop on the fencing. See if it survives.

They will most likely stay in the run during the day. Mine retreat to the coop for laying and roosting. Only.

Mine like under the coop.
I recently stacked some firewood on the south side and they will lounge in the shade of that. Not sure they needed shade in January, but that is where they lounge. With the dogs eyeing them. Funny birds. Seems they are acting like fish and like hanging around structure.

@SunHwaKwon - which part of Texas? You may find someone already here to direct you, if you don't already. Best wishes with the move!

 

[CitrusMan]

Mine only go in the coop for laying and roosting, too. I'm definitely going to plant some sort of hedges/bushes on the south side for shade, just not sure what. I have some Barbados/Surnam cherry trees in my yard, but I think a hedge/bush would do more for what I'm looking for.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I second the suggestions on more space beneath and tree planting.
Under the coop will be the coolest and driest place for chickens to dust bathe and hang out.
High shade, from large trees is best since it doesn't restrict air flow.
Sade cloth for the windows will allow air flow yet cut down on solar heat gain. You can buy remnants in the steals and deals section of the FarmTek website.

IMO, selecting the right breed of chicken is the most important thing in dealing with heat.
No heavy feathered birds suitable for cold climates.
I recommend Mediterranean breeds or things like fayoumis and cubalayas.
Penedesencas are outstanding in heat, as are anconas, minorcas, leghorns, Spanish, etc..

 

[CitrusMan]

I think I may try the shade cloth along the south side of the run. (The side that you see in the pic)

 

[sweetater22]

I have used milk jugs that have been filled with water and frozen and placed in pens with meat birds before don't see why that wouldn't work for you also. By using plastic jugs the water that melts will not cause a problem in your coop and you can refreeze them when they melted down. If you own a freezer there really isn't an added expense to freeze the jugs being your freezer has to run all time anyways.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Looks like a nice facility.
You could suspend some shade cloth a foot or more above the roof for the time being.
You do need some big trees.
I like the 90% shade cloth for overhead shielding from sun. 70 or 80% will work for the windows, side.

 

[CitrusMan]

Looks like a nice facility.
You could suspend some shade cloth a foot or more above the roof for the time being.
You do need some big trees.
I like the 90% shade cloth for overhead shielding from sun. 70 or 80% will work for the windows, side.

I have big trees, but they're all on the other side of the property. I wanted to utilize the fence and keep the birds close to the house. I will definitely be doing some planting this spring, though!