We recently relocated here from NC and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on transitioning chicks from brooder to outside in this heat (this weekend we are supposed to hit 110). The coop has plenty of ventilation and shade, but I'm still worried about the chicks. There are never any chapters in chicken books on raising chickens in the desert :) Any suggestions greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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I have used 'misters' in my chicken pens in the past. That will cool the area by as much as 10 degrees. Now I have my pen under a large shade tree and they are fine. As long as there is shade, the littles chicks seem to be pretty hardy. I have lost a couple of adult hens in summer heat in the past, but they are usually the exotic breeds and I think may be more temperamental (naked necks and a polish crested).
Thanks Debbie. I have a little Belgian d'Uccle and bantam Cochin headed out this weekend, they are 8 weeks old and have been stuck in the house for 2 weeks waiting for my husband to repair their coop. I also have quite a few others headed out over the next few weeks. I guess I'm just extra nervous as we've already lost a couple ( I think due to pine shavings too early..lesson learned). Appreciate the info :) Thanks again!
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