Writing | Farm Posts – Page 10 – TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources

Chicken Coop is Ready for Summer

Summer in Phoenix, Not Easy Keeping Chickens

Spring is saying its last goodbye here in Phoenix. Temperatures are reaching the 80s during the day, which means only one thing: the real HEAT is coming. I took advantage of the mild weather yesterday and prepared the chicken coop for the dreadful 115-degree days which inevitably are just around the corner.
Mist systems are in place and in working order, even the old fan has been replaced with an industrial-grade high-powered oscillating model specifically made for barns. Sunscreens are all new and double-layered on the east and west sides of the coop. I dragged out the big drinkers to help keep the water cool and replaced the covered nest boxes with open tops. After a thorough cleaning and fresh shavings, we are ready for summer, bring it on!

It’s a challenge keeping chickens in extreme heat, this article will give you lots of tips on what you can do to keep your flock safe. Cold weather is not a problem, but heat is a whole different story… and it can be deadly.

Back to Chicken Keeping Resources HOME PAGE

Save

Chickens, Chores, and Blessings

Meet Dottie, she’s a Leghorn Hybrid at nearly 3 months and my little trooper in the desert heat. Smart and resourceful to say the least. Unlike the other members of the flock, she cools off in the little pool provided and takes full advantage of the mist system.

Most of the flock is looking a little rough from temperatures ranging from 110 to 117. Not to mention I’m not feeling my best battling the heat while bringing them ice and fresh fruit during the day. But this is what chicken people do right? We love our birds no matter what. Ok, I’ll be honest, sometimes I do question myself on why I purposely add more chores to my life by keeping chickens!
But isn’t it funny how the drudgery of chores is forgotten when they’re all done? Maybe it’s the fresh smell of pine shavings in the hen house, or the basket full of pretty eggs.
But one thing is for sure when I’m heading back to the house, that last glance behind makes it all worthwhile. I feel blessed seeing my happy feathered family busy scratching in the dirt looking for nature’s little chicken treasures.

Back to Chicken Keeping Resources HOME PAGE

Save

Sav

Save

Welcome Hatch-A-Longs

Yesterday was hatch day. My usual redundant morning chores were certainly more exciting, to say the least when I was greeted by newly hatched fuzzy butts. This was the first time hatching eggs for Peaches, a four-year-old Silkie hen. She’s very proud and protective of her babies, nevertheless, I’m keeping a close watch on her inexperienced mothering. The brooder is set up and ready to go if needed.
This was a trial run for Peaches, the fertile eggs I placed under her were a barnyard mix. What I know for sure is the eggs are from a Leghorn and an Ameraucana. But the rooster? That will remain a mystery.
It will be a nice change to have birds other than Silkies and Cochins in my barn, these little hatch-a-longs will remain here as permanent members of the flock. Mamma and chicks will be moved to the barn with the others, confined to a corner in full view of the flock at 2-3 weeks old.