Sun or shade

[CKoz]

Our chicken coop is in a wooded area. Cleared land is across a drainage ditch. How much sun do chickens need?

 

[CKoz]

Our chicken coop is in a wooded area. Cleared land is across a drainage ditch. We would have to carry the chickens back and forth each day. How much sun do chickens need?

 

[swamphiker]

Hi there! It depends on your climate. Where are you located?

Since I'm in sunny and hot Florida, I chose a mostly shaded spot for my coop and run. They can still get the occasional sun bathing session in, but it stays much cooler than in the sun. In general, chickens are hardier to cold than to heat, but of course some climates are extreme and certain breeds have their own needs.

 

[StinkyAcres]

They need some direct sun to be able to sunbathe. Birds sunbathe to maintain their feathers, rid themselves of parasites, and just relax and warm up on a cold day.

They also need enough light to see their feed, roosts in the evening, etc. Chickens can't see well in low light.

 

[Sally PB]

Where are you located? You can add that to your profile; just the state is fine, or country if you're outside the US.

Some pictures of your coop/run would tell us more.

 

[CKoz]

Hi there! It depends on your climate. Where are you located?

Since I'm in sunny and hot Florida, I chose a mostly shaded spot for my coop and run. They can still get the occasional sun bathing session in, but it stays much cooler than in the sun. In general, chickens are hardier to cold than to heat, but of course some climates are extreme and certain breeds have their own needs.

Missouri. From what I briefly saw on the internet, sources were saying the chickens needed at least 6 hours of sun for their health and egg production.

 

[aart]

From what I briefly saw on the internet, sources were saying the chickens needed at least 6 hours of sun for their health and egg production.

They need light but not necessarily direct sun.
How deep is the shade and what forms it evergreen or deciduous trees?

Missouri.

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[CKoz]

Missouri. From what I briefly saw on the internet, sources were saying the chickens needed at least 6 hours of sun for their health and egg production.

 

[aart]

Looks like all deciduous....so I assume it's sunny there in the winter?
Is it open in the front....what direction is that?
Will they be free range?

 

[CKoz]

Looks like all deciduous....so I assume it's sunny there in the winter?
Is it open in the front....what direction is that?
Will they be free range?

The sun is more available in the winter. The chicken coop door and enclosed run will be on the right side of the coop. We are only using the back 1/3 of the shed for the coop. Direction is south. We are keeping the shed doors open during the day to allow plenty of light and ventilation. There is too much predator pressure to allow for free range. Also, we do not have any guard animals.