Every summer, the fear of overheating poultry strikes every backyard owner. South Australian summers can be particularly dry and nasty. So, being my home state, I am always on the lookout for an easy to use misting system that is portable and friendly for the suburban backyard.
Good news is that Ryobi have taken the up the challenge and created a very robust unit that is really worth looking into.
Ryobi have released their Cordless Fan series with the option of mist or stand-alone fan.
The price difference between these models is around $30* (*at the time of publication).
THIS IS NOT A PAID ADVERTISEMENT - I REALLY DO GET PASSIONATE OVER EQUIPMENT REVIEWS
What you will need
1. Ryobi Cordless Misting Fan
2. Ryobi Rechargeable Battery with Recharging Unit
3. Bucket up to 20 Ltrs (or hose with connector)
2. Ryobi Rechargeable Battery with Recharging Unit
3. Bucket up to 20 Ltrs (or hose with connector)
Will a misting fan really help chickens during summer?
Misting fans are the backbone to how an Evaporative Air Conditioner works. The cooling action of the fan is increased when a mist of water passes in front, creating an even cooler environment to keep poultry at a more comfortable temperature.
So essentially, water is going out with the air flow.
This means that the coop, yard or your entertaining area will have increased moisture.
If the unit is placed too close to a nesting box or other equipment, they can become a little wet.
Air flow is important. Not just from the unit but from all doors and windows.
TIP #1: Keep the mister a good distance from all objects and allow good air flow.
TIP #2: Ensure that solid doors and coop ventilation holes are fully open during the misting fan operation.
TIP #3: Operate during day light and evening only. Go back to fan only, overnight.
TIP #4: Stand the unit in a shaded position to keep the water cool and unit working at its best.
So essentially, water is going out with the air flow.
This means that the coop, yard or your entertaining area will have increased moisture.
If the unit is placed too close to a nesting box or other equipment, they can become a little wet.
Air flow is important. Not just from the unit but from all doors and windows.
TIP #1: Keep the mister a good distance from all objects and allow good air flow.
TIP #2: Ensure that solid doors and coop ventilation holes are fully open during the misting fan operation.
TIP #3: Operate during day light and evening only. Go back to fan only, overnight.
TIP #4: Stand the unit in a shaded position to keep the water cool and unit working at its best.
How much water does it need?
The Ryobi Misting Fan can sit over a bucket of up to 20 Litres of cold water. The unit's tube is able to extend to the bottom of a bucket that size.
Alternatively, a garden hose can be attached to the back on low flow. Please consult the instruction manual for further information. The hose connection is located on the back next to the battery unit case.
The benefit of using a bucket is the addition of ice water. A 50/50 mix of water and ice will help keep the mist cooler.
FAN CAN BE USED WITHOUT WATER
Alternatively, a garden hose can be attached to the back on low flow. Please consult the instruction manual for further information. The hose connection is located on the back next to the battery unit case.
The benefit of using a bucket is the addition of ice water. A 50/50 mix of water and ice will help keep the mist cooler.
FAN CAN BE USED WITHOUT WATER
 |  |
Energy supply and operating time
The Ryobi Cordless Misting Fan uses the Ryobi rechargeable battery that can be used interchangeably with any of the Ryobi tools.
The rechargeable battery does NOT come with this fan, so it will need to purchased separately with the recharging unit.
There is no electric cord option. Rechargeable Battery only.
Rechargeable Battery and Recharging Unit: $148* (Bunnings)
The unit run time: Approximately 8-9 hours (depending on the setting)
Enough to get through a hot night.
The rechargeable battery does NOT come with this fan, so it will need to purchased separately with the recharging unit.
There is no electric cord option. Rechargeable Battery only.
Rechargeable Battery and Recharging Unit: $148* (Bunnings)
The unit run time: Approximately 8-9 hours (depending on the setting)
Enough to get through a hot night.
Noise Level
My biggest concern was how much noise this unit was going to make.
I didn't want to scare the hens with it, and if it was going to run all night, could I hear it from bed and could my neighbours hear it also?
I was really impressed with the running noise. Not at all intrusive.
The highest setting is ridiculously strong. I would use the lower setting, only. It is very effective.
Water is dispersed from the brass nozzles which are located on each side of the fan.
I didn't want to scare the hens with it, and if it was going to run all night, could I hear it from bed and could my neighbours hear it also?
I was really impressed with the running noise. Not at all intrusive.
The highest setting is ridiculously strong. I would use the lower setting, only. It is very effective.
Water is dispersed from the brass nozzles which are located on each side of the fan.
Fan Movement Range
Price
There are two types of units available at different prices. I purchased from Bunnings.
1. Cordless Misting Fan (as above) $99 - requires bucket or hose
2. Cordless Fan (stand-alone) $69
IMPORTANT
If you are using the hose connection or stand-alone fan the unit may be too low for operation.
Place on a flat and stable higher object such as a bucket, barrel, table, or chair.
Very affordable under $100!
IS THERE A BUDGET OPTION?
YES. Non-electrical. Very low flow hose connection only. Also available at Bunnings. Under $20.
Plastic portable mister.
1. Cordless Misting Fan (as above) $99 - requires bucket or hose
2. Cordless Fan (stand-alone) $69
IMPORTANT
If you are using the hose connection or stand-alone fan the unit may be too low for operation.
Place on a flat and stable higher object such as a bucket, barrel, table, or chair.
Very affordable under $100!
IS THERE A BUDGET OPTION?
YES. Non-electrical. Very low flow hose connection only. Also available at Bunnings. Under $20.
Plastic portable mister.
Plastic Portable Mister under $20
RSS Feed