Managing High Temps in the Desert Summers

[WhiskeyTheRedd]

Hey everyone!


I'm starting my flock over this year, and for the first time, I'll be dealing with some real heat and i want to keep my flock safe and comfortable. Ive been warned to expect 115-120 F. Ive heard stories of heat wiping out flocks and im nervous.

For cooling, I have a fan to keep the air moving, and my husband wants to set up a mister system that I can use every few hours to help relieve the heat and keep cool dirt for them to dust in. I also plan to get a small kiddie pool with rocks or bricks at the bottom so the birds can safely cool their feet.

I will also be using Two waterers at least, hopefully multiple gallons.

I haven’t picked up my chicks yet, but I will be soon! I’d love recommendations on heat-tolerant breeds..I have a few in mind, but I’d rather choose birds that won’t struggle due to weight or heavy feathering.

Also, what else should I do to help them handle the heat? What should I feed them, and how can I best prepare their setup? They have a coop but it IS enclosed, they will have a run space about 17ft x 9 Ft. (fenced in and roofed with hardware cloth) It is also going to be PARTIALLY covered with a shade cloth.
I plan to run a garden bed along the side of the coop with Sunflowers and other plants i know are safe for them. i know those will grow pretty fast and at least help to keep some extra sun off.

Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[cavemanrich]

Start reading this thread,, and ask questions there. They deal with such temperature extremes all the time.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/arizona-chickens.31227/page-8491



WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Pukkits]

We're in the high desert and have gone up to 113F. Our heat is definitely dry, and we almost always have a breeze when it's hot, so we've not installed any fans.
Amazon sells a weatherproof, sealed system fan that was going to be my choice, as we all know chicken dust would destroy motors.

Misters: we have a Cobra stand mister. If you have *any* particulates in your water or plumbing, the little brass nozzles will clog. They are so tiny it's almost not possible to clean them. Our solution is an RV hose line filter, which keeps specks out. Also, buy a pack of extra brass nozzles and save your sanity. I've not been through many nozzles, but it's nice to not stress it and just swap out a clogged one.

Shade: we ended up boarding up the south wall of our outdoor run to provide consistent shade. Providing trees, shrubs or built shade is essential. Buy a shade cloth and use it as needed. Shade cloth lets wind through, so air keeps moving.

Puddles: our derps love splashing in puddles like toddlers. Cools them down and looks like fun. Bonus if it's under a tree so the water is multi use.

Cool snacks: frozen snack blocks, watermelon, fruits. Lots of hydration. Ours go nuts for a fridge-cold head of romaine lettuce.

Do look for heat tolerant breeds, but our mixed birds have done well here, but our extreme heat (over 95F) usually only lasts a few days.