Tag: heat

Choosing A Mist System for Your Chickens

During the summer season, it’s inevitable to encounter a recurring heat wave that poses a potential risk to the welfare of your backyard flock. Although we have no control over the weather, we can certainly modify our approach in handling such situations. It’s essential to proactively equip ourselves for the worst-case scenario and establish a well-thought-out plan in advance, ensuring we are fully prepared before the need arises.

Portable Misters

To ensure the well-being of your birds during hot weather, using a mister, ideally in conjunction with a fan, is highly recommended. Mist systems have the ability to significantly lower the ambient temperature, while the fan aids in effectively dispersing the cool air. Even in the absence of electricity, a mister can still serve as an effective means to keep your birds cool.
There are numerous options available when it comes to misters, with the portable free-standing type being the most affordable. However, it has a limitation in that it can only cool a small area. Additionally, you may find yourself replacing it every season due to clogging of the nozzles caused by calcium deposits. It’s worth noting that many portable misters lack replacement nozzles, so it’s advisable to seek out models that offer better options.
Note: I use the sidewinder mister (pic below) in my coop on low, just enough to cool the air, but not get the coop wet. I use a larger free standing portable with two misting nozzles for the run.

Overhead Misting Lines

Overhead misting lines provide extensive coverage and are highly efficient, often providing replacement nozzles. It is advisable to install the misters in a location where nozzle replacement can be easily done without the need for a ladder. Numerous varieties of line misters are available on Amazon, offering a wide range of options to suit individual preferences and requirements. It is important to note that these misters are most suitable for covering large areas and are not recommended for use in a coop, where a dry environment is essential. They are better suited for large runs or secluded areas where your birds can enjoy a visit.

Here Are Some of Your Choices

Line Misting System
Free-Standing Mister
Flexible Sidewinder Mister

Where to Buy

Numerous misters, along with many others, can be found on Amazon. Conduct thorough research to discover the ideal mister that will ensure the comfort of your flock. In Phoenix, a mister can be the determining factor between survival and death. Presently, the temperature for July reaches a scorching 112-118 degrees during the day, while dropping to 96 degrees overnight. Trust me, mist systems are extremely beneficial.

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5 Tools Your Chickens Need to Survive The Extreme Heat

Temperatures are soaring across the nation, with temperatures hitting all-time highs. Here in Arizona, we are facing 118°F temps daily, and keeping chickens alive is a challenge but definitely not impossible. There are steps you can take that will help your backyard flock survive a brutal heat wave, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort. Here’s how:

5 Life Saving Tools:

  • Hose
  • Portable Mister (Many portable misters types are available in Amazon)
  • Shade Cloth
  • Water
  • Fan (A very helpful option if you have electricity)

Detailed Instructions for Using These Vital Tools:

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Best Time to Buy Baby Chicks in Phoenix is February

It’s Much Easier to Keep Baby Chicks Warm Than Trying To Keep Them Cool

Revised 4/9/25

Most parts of the country raise chicks in Springtime when the weather is mild. This gives the birds plenty of time to mature through the summer months and be fully feathered by Fall. Not the case here in Phoenix because extreme temperatures of 100+ can start as early as May and by June, reach 110+.
These conditions are not suitable for baby chicks, being this hot in a confined brooder is not only stressful but can be life-threatening. Chicks need to have a heat source, yes, this is true, but also need to be able to get away from it to stay comfortable.
Improper brooder temperatures also increase the onset of pasty butt (fecal impaction.) For these reasons, in Phoenix, it’s best to start chicks in February, and by April they are mature enough to slowly acclimate to our rising temperatures.
Remember, It’s much easier to keep baby chicks warm than try to keep them cool… which is impossible.
Chicks are Best Kept Outdoors
Raising chicks outdoors in a shed, barn, or garage is the best place to keep your baby chicks. They will most likely only need a radiant heat source. If the weather turns colder at night, a low-wattage heat lamp may assist in keeping the brooder temperature steady. You can buy low-wattage heat bulbs in the reptile section at your local pet or feed store. I usually use a red 75-watt bulb if the brooder temperature drops below 60 degrees. More on using radiant heat & heat lamps.

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