Wow, is it hot outside! With excessive heatwaves hitting most of the country this year, it is so important to maintain a cool environment for our feathered friends. Although chickens are very adaptable to weather changes, they usually perform at their best around 75°F and below. Consistently high summer temperatures can cause your chickens to suffer from heat stress and overheating, or even halt their egg-laying process. Among heavier breeds, extreme heat can even cause death.
Here are some things you can do to help combat the crazy apocalyptic heat.
- Offer Shade for Chickens. Providing a shade structure is the best idea. Without shade, chickens won’t have any place of refuge in which to escape the heat. We built a permanent structure to be utilized year-round. In extreme heat, any shade structure, small or large, temporary or permanent, makes all the difference to help our flocks.
- Install a Fan in the Coop. This tip is not always possible without messing up the structure of the coop, but a small fan can circulate air and keep your flock cooler during the summer months. Caution: Be very careful about electrical wiring exposure. We added a fan and heating element to our permanent structure and then added a cooling/heating window unit to provide additional circulation. The window unit prevents any accidental exposed wires that could get wet or even become a possible would-be snack. OMG, that would be so shocking!
- Install a Mister / Spray Cold Water / Add a Pool. Our chickens basically enjoy a spa-like setting. We put a kiddie pool nearby so they can wade in the water at their leisure. The mister is on a timer for the hottest part of the day. All can be easily cleaned and managed for your most discerning fowl.
- Keep Cold Water Available 24/7. This tip is pretty self-explanatory, but may be the most important. The cold water will regulate the chickens’ body temperature and keep them cool. Make sure it is always available so your chickens can regulate their water intake themselves.
- Add Electrolytes to Their Water. Electrolyte tablets are important for extreme heat and can prevent dehydration. Also, they often contain vitamins, too.
- Offer Frozen Treats. Fill a large container with berries and water and freeze it overnight. Leave the container out the next day for your chickens so they can pick at the frozen berries and stay cool. You can also slice a watermelon and cucumbers into quarters and freeze it for a similar result.
- Keep Interaction with the Flock at a Minimum. Interaction with your chickens causes them to be more active and create more heat. On extremely hot days, try to leave your chickens alone and check on them only as necessary.
Hope these friendly tips keep your flock healthy and happy this summer.