104 here we go..

Well, I knew it was coming... and after 4 years I still can't stand the heat  in Dallas.  We have about 72+ days that will totally suck, but stay diligent about your chicken chores!  Keeping chickens in the winter is MUCH easier than keeping them in the Summer.   I let my chickens free range when its this hot, they know where they feel coolest (aka under the porch)  So I place water close to where they will be.  Just walking around will over heat a hen, so don't make them travel far for water.  I also have a box fan to keep air moving under there.  

Tips to keep your chickens cool

• Water EVERYWHERE  (but don't be stupid... a 5 gallon bucket of water is not the way to go.  If its not good for a toddler its not good for a chicken.  Keep  the bowls/pan shallow.
• Shaded areas.  If you don't have shade, you better start making some.  Here are some good options.
• Water to stand in.  I use shallow pans and keep them in shady spots.  (Lola is a swimmer)
• Electrolytes in their water (if they are panting / drinking a lot) will help replace the electrolytes they are losing. Get them here  (give plain water & chicken-aid)
• In moderate weather a hen may drink a pint of water a day. In hot weather, that amount nearly doubles.  Two pints a day X 6 hens = 12 pints people!!
• Fresh water throughout the day. (water left out in the sun will soon be warmed, so it is nice to replace it with new cool water every now and then if you can).  A few ice cubes in the water can help keep it cooler for longer.

Cool fruits such as watermelon, can help cool and refresh your chickens on a hot summers day.

• Ventilation in the coop.
• Frozen ice packs - freeze 2 litre plastic bottles of water (or similar) as something cool that can be hung or laid on the floor of the coop or in a shaded area of the run for them to sit by or perch on if they want to. (if you can place the bottles in something like a zip-lock bag then they should be kept clean so that they can go back into the freezer ready for another hot day).
• Cool fruits such as watermelon (straight from the fridge for extra coolness!) will help cool and hydrate your chickens.
• A fan in the coop.  A well ventilated coop may not need a fan, but in very hot weather if there is no air circulation the heat they expel from their own bodies can increase the temperature even further.

The roaring 20’s

Tip of the day:  When it is going to be really cold give your girls cracked corn, or extra scratch right before dusk.  The feed will raise their body temperatures and help them get through the night.  Also, corn or scratch first thing in the morning will help them ease into a cold day.  Or, at least until the sun is out. Plus they love it!

• Since heavy grains rise chickens body heat, Scratch and corn should not be given in hot weather.  Switch to watermelon and cool treats.
• Don't give scratch to chicks, or really young birds.

Consulting services up!

Service	Details	Rates per hour
Assessment Consultation "I am interested, but don't know where to start?"	About 2 hours at your residence Assessment of space and coop plans Information on care and keeping of chickens Answers to questions at time of consultation or with an e-mail follow-up One phone consultation after initial visit	$40
Chicken Procurement “where do we get chicks?  What is a Pullet?”	I will help you acquire your first chicks, pullets, or hens. Assessment of which flock is best for you and your family? Have children, needed docile chicken? *NOTE: Please do not mail order chicks, it is very stressful for the birds.  They are often abandoned in post offices without food and water.  Shipments can also get lost in the mail.	$40
Coop and Run Consultation“Pre-fab coop? Custom coop?  That is a great question!  Do you want it to blend in, or be a focal point?”	A visit to your residence to choose best location and housing type Advice and/or assistance with building your dream coop. Information on feeders, waters, feed, and general information on chicken accessories Information on coop security Seasonal Coop I.E. Heating and Cooling Chicken Budgeting One free 15-minute phone consultation after initial visit	$40
Design and Build“Are you a mid-century modern coop or a Victorian?”	Custom designed coop and run Have your own plans and need a builder?  We are happy to procure materials, and build to specs We place special emphasis on form and function; our chicken houses are cheerful, light and airy, with excellent ventilation and windows for natural lighting.	Varies to size and scale of project

From under the lamp to in the coop	A visit to your residence to help your pullets transition to their new coop (about 1 hour) Information on feeding, watering, egg laying general care, and common illnesses Answers to questions at time of consultation or via e-mail follow-up One free follow up phone call	$40
Follow up anytime “Can you come out and look at this?”	A visit to your residence to make sure that your hens are healthy Information on feeding, watering, egg laying general care, and common illnesses Answers to questions at time of consultation or via e-mail follow-up One free follow up phone call	$40
911 Phone Call	Troubleshooting advice over the phone for a sick bird Phone call fee can be applied to Emergency House Call fee if I come out within 24 hours	$20 (payable by PayPal or check prior to phone call)
Chicken Sitting	Daily visits to water and feed Bedding changes Egg collection Special instructions welcome	Varies on location
911 House Call	A visit to your residence to assess a sick bird Research to determine possible causes of sickness Care to address problem, if possible, OR suggestions for care (may include referral for veterinary medicine) Suggestions for follow-up care and care for other members of flock	$75
Add-On Service “I want chickens, but I don’t have time to go out and get everything for them!	Coop maintenance Procurement of supplies needed for your chickens Instillation of seasonal need like lights and heaters	$35 per hour, billable in ½- hour increments