I never expected to have babies this year but right now I am watching 5 chicks who are 5 days old (technically one is a day younger). I've got a nestcam in this box.

I'm in the south where the temps are dangerously high! The heat index will be between 102-106! I know that the chicks are in danger at these temps (107 is supposed to be the deadly temp).

I have had a small umbrella over the box that is coated inside with material like you find on the silver reflective car dash covers. Over that I have a patio umbrella. I have these umbrellas shading as much as the box as I can without freaking out Mama Blue.

I don't know what the temps were yesterday but the chicks were miserable. I took a fan outside and pointed it up to where the vent in the box is. It did seem to give the chicks some relief but I guess it freaked the parents out because they wouldn't go inside the box.

I am going to put a second patio umbrella to the side of the box. I don't know what else to do.

I'm tempted to try the fan again but the question is: is it more important to keep the chicks cool or have them no fed during the heat of the day?

Nervous, Linda in Acworth, GA

http://sialis.org/heat.htm

As you've already got some shielding on there it sounds to me like feeding is important now as the babies get the water they need to stay hydrated from the bugs they get from Mom and Dad. I'm not an expert though so maybe someone else can offer more advice...!

I added the ice pack on top of the box but I think what worked the best is that I have a wireless thermometer setup with the probe inside the nestbox (I like the meat thermometer idea).
When the temps gets to 87 or so, I soak down the outside of the nest box (wo. getting water inside). Then I soak each of the umbrellas, under and on the top. Daddy Blue has watched me do this numerous times and he still gives me heck! Anyway, it brings down the temps as much as 5 degrees depending on the outside temps.

The chicks are 8 days old and the box is getting VERY crowded!

Bluebird blessings, Linda...

Hope your little ones are coping with this heat. We have had 3 hatch today (two actually overnight)and it's sooo hot. Supposed to be feel like temps of 110 so am really hoping they'll be ok. Mom and Dad are doing a good job feeding so hopefully they'll at least stay hydrated. Waiting for one more egg to crack!

I looked at Bet's "heat shield" and not being handy or having a spouse that's handy, I wouldn't have a clue how to put that together. Maybe I'll hire a handyman to do one next summer.