How to Keep Chickens Cool in Summer
https://www.pamsbackyardchickens.com/2019/06/how-to-keep-chickens-cool-in-summer.html
https://www.pamsbackyardchickens.com/2019/06/how-to-keep-chickens-cool-in-summer.html
Keeping your chickens cool in summer is a must do. There's nothing we can do to stop the heat, but we can help our chickens beat the heat.
With the mercury rising, it's important to remember that high temperatures can be harder on a flock than the cold temperatures of winter. The effects of heat are cumulative and can be enhanced by high humidity, so be sure to keep vigilant during heat spells. A temperature of 80 degrees with high humidity can bring on heat-related problems.
With the mercury rising, it's important to remember that high temperatures can be harder on a flock than the cold temperatures of winter. The effects of heat are cumulative and can be enhanced by high humidity, so be sure to keep vigilant during heat spells. A temperature of 80 degrees with high humidity can bring on heat-related problems.
How Do Chickens Cool Themselves?
When we're hot, we sweat. Yes, it's uncomfortable, but it is a cooling mechanism for humans. Do chickens sweat? Nope. They rely on both adaptations and natural behavior to cool themselves.
Adaptations — Chickens, especially Meditteranean breeds like Leghorns, put their combs and wattles to good use in warm weather. As blood circulates through their combs and wattles, heat is released, cooling the chicken. The larger the combs and wattles, the more surface space is available to release heat.
Behaviors — Chickens naturally know what to do to assist their bodies with the task of staying cool. They will spread their wings and lift their feathers to let heat escape. Chickens will start to pant when the temperature reaches 85 degrees. They can also vibrate their throat muscles which allows warm moisture to evaporate. In the heat of the day, free-range chickens look for an undisturbed shady, cool spot to rest.
How We Can Help
- We can provide these cool spaces throughout the yard with garden plantings, awnings, umbrellas or whatever it takes to get out of the sun.
- Water is crucial during the summer's heat. Adding more water containers, keeping them filled, and locating them in shady spots is helpful.
- Adding some ice to the water hits the spot, just be sure not to add too much. We don't want to shock our chickens with frigid water, just cool them off a little.
- Provide some chilled treats like watermelon or blueberries. The chilled food is a nice break from the heat and the extra water inside helps your chickens stay hydrated.
- Consider adding a shallow pool of water where your chickens can stand in the water to cool off their feet.
- Don't coop up your chickens during hot weather. The inside of a coop can be much hotter than outside and more intense. If you're considering where to place your coop, keep summer's heat in mind. Locate your coop where there is relief through the shade, such as the edge of a tree line. When your chickens do go inside at night to roost, make sure the coop is well-ventilated by leaving windows open and having a fan running to increase air movement.
- Check on your chickens often during the summer heat. If you have kids, be sure they don't run around and try to play with the chickens. Increase activity equals increased body heat. Keeping your birds comfortable and undisturbed will help them avoid heat stress and enjoy the summer.
Heat-Tolerant Chicken Breeds
Although it’s easier to keep chickens warm vs. cool, it’s important to choose the correct breed for your location, whether that be a cold-hardy chicken or a heat-tolerant chicken breed.
Every year there are stories of folks that bought the wrong breed for their climate and experience losses, have unhealthy chickens, or end up bringing their birds inside where the climate is more moderate. Don’t let this happen to you! Make sure to pick a breed that will live comfortably in your climate. Your birds will thank you for it!
Popular Heat-Tolerant Breeds
Black Australorp
Brahma
Delaware
Easter Egger
Leghorn
New Hampshire Red
Plymouth Rock
Rhode Island Red
Sussex8 Tips For Keeping Chickens Cool In The Summer
Chickens are actually descended from jungle fowl, so many of them can do quite well. They certainly cope with heat better than rabbits do. Chickens dissipate heat from their combs, beaks, and feet. So, if you live in a hot area, try to choose lightweight chicken breeds with larger combs. Breeds that are hardy in cold weather will not do as well. You will probably notice a drop in egg production when it’s very hot, especially for breeds with small combs.
8 Tips For Keeping Chickens Cool In The Summer
https://farmingmybackyard.com/keeping-chickens-cool/Of course the best course of action is to keep your hens from overheating in the first place. Here are some tips that will help you keep your chickens cool even when it’s hot outside.
Make a mud bath.
Chickens don’t really like to stand in water, but when it’s hot, they will cool their feet in a muddy puddle. Make a muddy corner in their coop where they can stand to cool down. Don’t swamp the whole thing of course! Some people recommend a small wading pool with a couple inches of water, but I’ve found my birds never walk through one on their own, but they’ll happily wade right into a bit of mud.Provide dust bathing space.
Dirt might not be your thing, but birds don’t mind it! A cool spot to dust bathe helps your chickens regulate their body temperature. If they don’t have a natural area in the run, then provide a rubbermaid tub of dirt for them to use.Make sure there’s plenty of ventilation in the coop.
A well ventilated coop is a necessity year round, but you’ll want even more ventilation when it’s hot. My largest coop has a window that opens and shuts. During the day I could open it to create a cross breeze and cool the coop down. Any enclosed space is going to have a greenhouse effect. If your area gets very hot, plan accordingly when designing your coop.Clean out the coop instead of using deep litter.
Spring is a great time to clean out aged deep litter in your coop. Using a deep litter method produces heat as it breaks down, which is great in the winter. Not so great in 100 degree weather. Take advantage of the heat and clean your coop from top to bottom.
