Abstract
To have happy, healthy chickens, you need a little bit of both: shade in the summer and sun in the winter.
Coop needs shade during the day, but a little morning sun is healthy, and winter sun allows that toochicken coopto warm up from the nighttime cold.
Chickens become uncomfortable in warm and hot weather
Chickens like to lay eggs at varying times of the day, so if the coop and nest boxes are exposed to full sun and too much heat, you will be greatly stressing the hen when she is about to lay. Temperatures in the 80s and 90s made them sluggish and panting.
A cool coop for warm climates is therefore more important than a warm coop in winter.
When should we put the chicken coops in the sun?
If you live somewhere with very mild summers but brutally cold winters, consider building yourschicken coopin the sun. Your chickens will appreciate any extra warmth.
What to do if there is no shade?
You can provide some tips to keep your chickens cool if your backyard or garden lacks shade.
- Choose a chicken coop with a weatherproof asphalt roof for roosting and nesting boxes, which will protect chickens from extreme weather conditions as protection from the sun and shelter from rain.
- Make sure your chickens have enough shade during the run. A run with a UV roof is the best choice because chickens need to be exposed to sunlight to stay healthy and happy. The UV roof means they won't get too hot while enjoying the sun.
- Make sure your chicken coops have ventilation windows to increase airflow and reduce humidity to keep your chicken coop dry and prevent disease.
- Raised the chicken coop. The raised foundation promotes air circulation and protects your pet from ground heat.
- In hot weather it is necessary that you always have cold water available for your chickens. They do not drink hot water and can die from dehydration and heat stroke. Add ice to your drinks when you need it.
- Fill several large containers with water and freeze them. Then spread them over the chicken coop to lower the temperature in the chicken coop.
- Use sand beds in your chicken coop, not in others. Medium to coarse sand is the best bedding for chicken coops. Because it is non-toxic, quick-drying, clean, pathogen-free and low dust.
A professional and humanized design chicken coop solves all the above problems.👇👇👇
As an expert in the field of poultry farming, I have dedicated countless hours to studying and understanding the needs of chickens, particularly when it comes to their living conditions and overall well-being. My knowledge is not solely based on theoretical research, but also on first-hand experience and a deep understanding of the concepts involved.
One of the key factors in maintaining happy and healthy hens is providing them with the right balance of shade and sunlight throughout the year. During the scorching summer months, it is crucial to ensure that the chicken coop has ample shade during the hottest parts of the day. Excessive heat can cause extreme discomfort for the hens, making them sluggish and prone to panting heavily. This discomfort can even affect their egg-laying patterns, as they prefer to lay eggs at different times of the day. Therefore, it is important to create a cool and shaded environment for the chickens in hot climates.
However, it is equally important to expose the chicken coop to sunlight during the winter months. Sunlight helps to warm up the coop, preventing the hens from suffering from the chill of the night. This exposure to sunlight also plays a role in keeping the chickens healthy and happy, as they require some sunlight for their overall well-being.
If you find yourself in a location with mild summers but harsh winters, it may be beneficial to build your chicken coop in a sunny area. The added warmth from the sun can be greatly appreciated by the chickens during the colder months.
In situations where shade is not readily available in your backyard or garden, there are several measures you can take to ensure that your chickens stay cool. One option is to choose a chicken coop with a weatherproof asphalt roof for the sleeping area and nesting box. This will provide protection from extreme weather conditions and serve as a sunshade and rain shelter.
Additionally, it is essential to provide ample shade in the chicken run. Opting for a run with a UV roof is highly recommended, as chickens do require exposure to sunlight for their overall health and happiness. The UV roof will prevent them from feeling too hot while still allowing them to enjoy the sunshine.
Proper ventilation is crucial in maintaining a healthy chicken coop. Ensure that your chicken coop has ventilation windows to promote airflow and reduce moisture. This will help keep the chicken house dry and prevent sickness among the chickens.
Raising the chicken coop on an elevated foundation can also aid in air circulation and protect your chickens from ground heat conditions.
During hot weather, it is essential to provide cold water for your chickens at all times. They will not drink warm water and can suffer from dehydration and heatstroke. Adding ice to their water drinkers can help keep the water cool and refreshing.
An effective way to lower the temperature within the chicken house is to freeze several large containers of water and place them strategically around the coop. The frozen containers will act as natural coolers, reducing the overall temperature of the chicken house.
When it comes to choosing litter for the chicken coop, sand beds are highly recommended. Medium-to-coarse sand is the ideal choice as it is non-toxic, dries quickly, and has a low pathogen and dust content. This type of litter promotes cleanliness and hygiene within the chicken house.
In conclusion, by implementing the aforementioned strategies and investing in a professionally designed and humanized chicken coop, you can address the various challenges associated with providing shade in the summer and sunlight in the winter. These measures will ensure the happiness, health, and overall well-being of your hens, allowing them to thrive in their environment.
