Tag: coop

Chicken Roost Types and Ideas

There are so many different types of roosts, which one is best for your coop? Does it really matter? Nope, your birds just need something to roost on at night that’s suitable & easy to clean. It can be an old ladder, maybe something cool you design from scrap lumber. Or… you can be creative and come up with something totally unique.  Need a few ideas?  View 50+ Roost Ideas 

Why are Roosts Important?
It’s a natural instinct for chickens to look for a safe place to retire for the night. Not only are they protecting themselves from predators, but also inclement weather.  Chickens sleeping in the nest box is something I like to discourage for hygiene reasons.  Nest boxes are for laying eggs, roosts are for resting or sleeping.

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Moving Day, Brooder to Coop

A week early, but temperatures are on the rise and my 5 week old chicks will be more comfortable in the chicken yard than in the brooder shed.  Today it’s expected to reach 100 degrees, with a low of 68-70. Welcome to Phoenix little ladies, the summers here are far from paradise. By June temps will average 105, and July is worse, when there are days that can hit 115+.

The chicken yard is shady and set up where there is plenty of air flow.  They’ll be happier having the ability to lay in cool dirt. The brooder shed is ideal for raising chicks in our winter months, but I started chicks late this year. It’s easy to keep chicks warm, but keeping them cool is a whole different story.  So here they are, in the big girl pen.

I think girls are feathered enough, especially the Wyandottes (black ones.) The Ameraucanas (white) are a slower to mature, but they are mostly feathered, tonight they will huddle together for warmth if they need it.

It can be a challenge keeping chickens in extreme heat, but they manage if you provide them with the tools they need.  Here’s a helpful article explaining how to raise chickens when temperatures are crazy high…

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