The Ultimate Set-up Just Got Better
There have been many coop improvements made over the winter. The coop was once an open-sided covered corral for horses that I had professionally enclosed with heavy-grade hardware cloth – more about that build HERE.
The desert doesn’t offer many options for lush greenery, but I managed to find bushes native to the desert southwest and planted three of them in front of the barn for a little color and hopefully some shade when they mature. I have a giant drum fan to help move the air in the coop, and it’s suitable for normal summer heat, but Phoenix doesn’t have normal heat; we have to keep chickens alive in 115+ temps, which is nearly impossible without human intervention. Usually, that means a mist system of some sort, along with fans, ice, and whatever else might offer them some relief. In other words, everything needed to keep chickens alive in these ridiculous high temps is a giant inconvenience and one I was determined to somewhat avoid this summer. Here’s what I came up with…
I bit the bullet and bought an evaporative cooler large enough to cool the coop area. I also bought 10 lb. feeders and scattered them in different areas of the coop to help minimize feeding chores. Daily farm chores now are basically watering and clean-up. Even my clean-up chores are easier now since I ditched the pine shavings and switched to sand. If you want to know more about sand vs. shavings, all the information is in a previous article HERE.
Purchasing an evaporative cooler is a double win-win scenario: it benefits the chickens by providing a more comfortable environment, and let’s be honest, it’s a relief for me as well. Working in scorching temperatures I definitely won’t miss.
About The Evap. Cooler…
Portacool 2000-CFM 2-Speed Outdoor Evaporative Cooler
What’s an evaporative cooler? It produces cool air wherever needed, such as a backyard patio, garage, barn, or workshop. Evaporative coolers are most effective in dry climates where humidity levels are low. They can be an energy-efficient and cost-effective cooling solution compared to traditional air conditioning systems, as they consume less electricity. You can learn more about this evap. cooler or check out the large selection of different models available at Lowe’s.
The Coop, Inside & Out…
A Few of the Hens…
A Guide for Keeping Chickens in Hot Climates
There are many ways to help your chickens survive the heat of summer. Luckily, in most parts of the country, this isn’t a big concern. However, if you are a desert dweller and have chickens, you’ll find a wealth of information in this article on how to manage them in hot weather.
TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 