HELP HOT IN TEXAS -- SHOULD I LOWER THE HOUSES

[Ken&Sheryle - TX]

Hi, I have a very quick question --- it is so HOT in Texas and I was wondering if I should lower the houses and spritz the babies with water...Would that cool them down a little bit???? Babies are about 7 days old..


HELP>>>>>

Thanks,

Sheryle

[Guest]

Hi -

I'm in Texas too. The best thing to do is mist in the late afternoon - I spray fences, trees near and the house to lower the temperature around the house. It's not necessary (or good) put water in the nest. It can cause mites to get worse. The birds will pant if they are too hot. Just spray the air near the house - they may even dive into the water.

Of course, that's just my opinion - I could be wrong. -Dennis Miller

[Emil Pampell-Tx]

I have my yard sprinkler directly under the houses now, hoping that it will help cool some of them. Furthermore, the grass needs the water.

[Laverne]

We're in Texas, too. It was 102 according to the thermometer in our truck yesterday. But, the thermometer inside our metal barn was only 97. I turn the lawn sprinkler on underneath my housing. Cooling the ground under the housing has got to cool off the housing. The water coming out of our well is cold (65-70) and I am certain this helps make the nestbound young more comfortable. I don't think wetting baby birds and nest is a good idea.

[Guest]

Hi Sheryle! yes, it is absolutely unbearable in the ole city isn't it? I would not lower the houses, but what we have done for years now is to spray above their nests. The best thing i use is the pressure washer that Don bought to clean off our driveway. It gives off a great mist when you hold it up high, and I know it does not cool like an air conditioner or anything, but it has to help. I also have used the garden hose with one of the spray nozzles, and just hold it up so as to let the mist come down on the gourds. In windy weather be prepared to get a little "misted"ourself, but I know that is the least of your problems at this time. Just be careful not to let the nest itself get wet. I thought your guys would be gone by now. thank goodness ours have. I would be frantic with worry for them in this heat. I do not think we are in for any good news either, and we are staying home tomorrow for fear of some goofus shooting off fireworks in our neighborhood and God forbid, causing a fire. I wish you and Ken the best and yau'll have a very happy and safe 4th.

[Ken&Sheryle - TX]

Thanks everyone. I am going to try the misting around the houses.

Holly, Yea I know last year they were all gone by this time. I think we had one couple who had their eggs taken and they decided to lay eggs again - hence the 7 day year old nestlings. We still have several other baby birds but much biggers. I can't believe how many we have @ this late in the game but it is nice watching them. I sure wish the weather would get a little cooler or rain....I might try doing a rain dance. HA HA

Ken is working on our house --- painting the living room and tiling the floor === what a job ....lots to do. I try to help but am in the way a lot of the times.


God Bless,

Sheryle

[Sparky]

I'm misting every afternoon with a Arizona Mist system I made. I have it setup with a timer so it comes on the same time every afternoon. I still have several compartments yet to fledge and I believe the system has worked great this year since it has been so hot and dry. No jump outs this year. The house and gourds are enveloped in a "fog" with all the mist nozzles I put on. It's great.