Sun Rise Sheds | Blog Post

Stay Cool, Chickens: Creative Chicken Coop Shade Ideas To Beat the Heat

March 6, 2023

Reading Time: 6 Minutes

Summertime is a great time to be a chicken owner! Your chickens will enjoy the warm weather, and you will appreciate the fresh eggs they provide. However, with the hot weather comes the need for shade. Building a chicken coop for your backyard chickens is an important part of ensuring the health and safety of your flock. And while a well-built chicken coop provides shelter, shade is also essential to keep your birds healthy in the summer.

There are a variety of options for providing shade to your chicken coop. Chickens can overheat quickly and die if they are not given proper shelter from the sun. In this blog post, we will discuss inventive chicken coop shade ideas that will keep your chickens cool and healthy all summer long!

Chicken Coop Shade Ideas That You Can Buy

There are several types of shades that you can purchase for your chicken coop that can help protect your chickens from the summer heat. Before making a purchase, it is crucial to consider factors such as the size of your enclosure, your climate, and the type of material used.

Umbrellas
Umbrellas can be a great way to provide shade for your chickens and can be a great addition to your chicken coop with proper care. They are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of colors and sizes. They can easily be opened and closed as needed, providing enough shade when the sun is at its peak. Search for a durable umbrella that can handle the elements and will last season after season. Secure it properly so that strong winds don't cause any damage.

Rain Covers
Rain covers are also a great addition to your chicken coop and can provide shelter from the rain. They can also help keep moisture out of the coop, which is another important element of keeping chickens healthy. Rain covers are usually made of waterproof material that is easy to clean and durable enough to last for many seasons.

In addition to the protection they offer, umbrellas and rain covers come in different stylish designs that add more aesthetic appeal to your chicken coop. With so many options available, you will find something that suits your needs and blends nicely with the rest of your outdoor décor. You may also choose to use a combination of umbrellas and rain covers will help protect your chickens from inclement weather, keeping them happy and healthy all year round!

Tarps
Another option for providing shade for chickens is using tarpaulins or tarps over their run area during hot summer days. Tarps are lightweight and easy to install, offering quick relief from direct sunlight when necessary without making major changes to your chicken coop setup. Additionally, you can remove them relatively quickly whenever you'd like. This easy removal is convenient, as it's important to note that tarp covers shouldn't be left on overnight. Leaving a tarp on overnight can cause too much heat build up inside the run area, which can become dangerous for chickens if temperatures get too high during nighttime hours.

Tarps are an affordable solution for providing shade but do require some maintenance and oversight on your part. If you choose to use tarps for shade, check them regularly and replace them when needed. Additionally, it would be best to leave no gaps in coverage that could allow predators access to your flock. Lastly, check the tarp frequently for any holes or tears that would compromise its effectiveness in providing shade.

Shade Cloths
A shade cloth is one unique shade that may work well for your chickens. Shade cloths are made from lightweight fabric explicitly made for providing shade in outdoor spaces. These shade cloths will create a refreshing and breathable environment for chickens, keeping them cool even on the hottest days. They also reduce the amount of direct sunlight that enters the coop and will block out harmful UV rays to help create an even temperature for your chickens throughout the day.

Shade cloths are much more adjustable than tarps, so you can easily adjust them as the sun moves across the sky. Additionally, shade cloth will last longer than tarps since it is made from a more durable material. With various sizes and hues, you can select the perfect shade of fabric that caters to your flock's needs.

Small Gazebos or Pergolas
Gazebos and pergolas are attractive elements that serve as great sources of shade above the chicken run and enhance overall aesthetic appeal in any backyard setting where installed. For added safety and assurance, you may want to put up wire mesh panels or fences around the edges of your gazebo or pergola shelter. That way, your chickens can roam freely while remaining secure and enjoying the shade!

If you choose this option, make sure that whichever structure you install has plenty of room beneath its canopy. You want it to cover most parts of your chicken run adequately throughout the day without blocking too much light from filtering through its slats, as the chickens need some sunlight to keep them healthy.

Easy Ways to Create Natural Shading for Your Chicken Coop

Installing natural shading for your chickens' coop can protect them from soaring temperatures, but it also helps reduce the high levels of heat stress and prevent sunburns. Below are a few easy ideas to help you create that ideal environment for your feathered friends!

Trees
One of the best ways to create natural shading for your chicken coop is by planting trees around it. Trees can provide a natural shade area for chickens by blocking out some sun rays while allowing air to flow through their leaves and branches. Trees will also cast a large amount of shade and provide additional protection from predators. Trees such as evergreens, maples, and palms can provide year-round protection from the sun. Ensure that the trees near your chicken coop are in good health and unlikely to become uprooted or destroyed by heavy snowfall or strong winds during winter time.

Vines
Vines such as wisteria or clematis will grow up the sides of the coop, providing more vegetation coverage throughout the year. Wisteria and clematis vines are both very hardy and will provide additional protection against the sun's rays. Not only that, but they will also add a beautiful aesthetic to your chicken coop all year round! When choosing trees or vine plants, select varieties that are small enough so they won't overwhelm the coop or block too much light from entering it.

Shrubs
Planting shrubs around the perimeter of the coop is another way to add some natural shading and protection from the elements. Shrubs are a great way to add beauty, fragrance, and character to your chickens' outdoor space while offering much-needed shelter from the sun. Select varieties that won't get too large or overwhelm the structure of your coop.

Regardless of your choice between natural or purchased shade methods for your coop, providing your chickens with adequate shade is essential to keep them comfortable and healthy.

Additional Tips for Keeping Your Chickens Cool During Hot Weather

First and foremost, provide plenty of fresh water. Without ample clean water, chickens become dehydrated quickly, leading to various health problems. It's also essential that the water is cool, so consider changing it several times a day or adding ice cubes to help keep it from getting too hot.

You should also ensure your coop and run are well-ventilated, as poor ventilation can make temperatures inside unbearable for chickens. Make sure plenty of windows and vents are available to let the hot air escape from inside the coop.

Adding a few extra features to your chicken coop can also help improve the comfort of your flock. Nesting boxes, perches, and dust baths will help keep them entertained and provide a safe place to lay eggs. In addition, routinely tidying their henhouse helps promote healthy living conditions for your chickens. To keep your chicken coop cool even on hot summer days, add a few inches of natural mulch or straw in the ground surrounding it. This mulch or straw will also help to absorb any excess moisture. Don't forget about regular cleanings! And for the healthiest and happiest chickens, give them an assortment of frozen treats as snacks throughout the day.

Finally, don't forget to dust your chickens regularly with poultry dust or diatomaceous earth. The powder helps absorb sweat and keeps them cool. Be sure to use dust designed explicitly for chickens, as some dusts unsuitable for chickens contain harmful ingredients like pesticides or insecticides, which can cause health problems. With the right care, your chickens will happily live in their coop for years to come!

Are You Ready for a Happier, Healthier Flock?

Following these simple chicken coop shade ideas will make your flock comfortable and healthier during the hot summer months. Taking a few moments to provide adequate shade is all it takes for your chickens to relish in the season without any worries! Plus, you can rest assured of their continued wellness by ensuring they are kept at a comfortable temperature throughout this time of year and all other seasons.

If you want to discuss a new home for your chickens, we can help! Get in touch with us today to discuss your current flock's needs so we can design a chicken coop that will keep them safe and comfortable all year round.

References:

Stay Cool, Chickens: Creative Chicken Coop Shade Ideas To Beat the Heat

RECENT POSTS

CATEGORIES

Visit Us

Contact Us

Explore

TEXT SUN RISE SHEDS

Want to text with us?