KEEPING CHICKENS COOL
Keeping chickens cool in the summer is essential to ensure their health and well-being. Chickens are sensitive to heat and can suffer from heat stress, which can be dangerous or even fatal. Where I live the summers are fairly moderate compared to a lot of other places in the United States however, we will get some pretty strong heat. I wanted to share with you some ways I like to help you keep my chickens cool during hot summer months!
KEEP IT SHADY
Rather they free range, stay in their run, or both, you should ensure they have ample shady spots to find respite under. Ensure that your chicken coop and outdoor run have ample shade by putting a tarp over their run, adding shade to the sides that receive extra heat on their coop, and providing trees and shrubs for them to hide under. Natural shade from trees or artificial shade structures like these, can help protect chickens from direct sunlight.
VENT THOSE BABIES
Proper ventilation in the chicken coop is crucial to allow hot air to escape and fresh air to circulate. I have two small holes for upper ventilation in my A-framed chicken coop to allow hot air to rise and escape away from the middle part of their coop where they like to roost, and the bottom where they like to lay. I have a small 2.5” by 2 foot window about face level when they are on their roost that allows a cross breeze to come in and circulate air. On really warm nights, I keep their windows open to further improve air movement and add an extra spot for cool air to come in during the night. There are some nights that simply do not cool off properly and they need that extra ventilation and cross breeze section. When the nights are much cooler, and in the fall and winter months, I shut the window doors to keep them from getting drafty and unable to stay warm.
GIVE THEM A COOL BREEZE
You can set up fan(s) in the coop and/or run to promote air circulation and create a cooling breeze. In the coop, make sure to position the fans to avoid direct drafts on the chickens, as they are sensitive to sudden temperature changes. I like to zip tie a box fan to the side of my run and my chickens go over there for a cool breeze and will even dig holes to dust bathe and nap right in front of the fan. This allows them to stay cool even on the hottest of days.
KEEP THEM HYDRATED
Provide an abundant supply of fresh, cool water at all times. Add ice cubes to the water container to help keep it cooler for longer. On days where you see your chicken panting, you can put a small container of water with electrolytes in them to make sure they are staying well hydrated, especially if they look like they are starting to become distressed from the heat. I have a 2-gallon water container that I make sure has cool fresh water daily in it but on the extra hot days, I have a 1-gallon waterer that I put the proper amount of electrolytes in. The reason I add in the smaller container is because you have to be sure to change the electrolyte water out every 24 hours as old electrolytes can start to turn and be bad for your chicken. I prefer the Hydro Hen from Manna Pro works really well and lasts a really long time.
MAKE IT MISTY
Occasionally misting or spraying water in the coop and run area can help cool down the environment. Especially if you do the area in front of the fan. You should try to avoid soaking the chickens or making the coop too wet, as excessive moisture can lead to other health issues but, they do enjoy some cooler walking spaces for their feet. Another option is to put up a fine misting mister system above them. Not enough to make things infinitely damp on the ground but enough to cool the air around them.
FROZEN TREATIES
One of my favorite things to do is to offer frozen treats like watermelon, cucumber, or berries to my chickens. This not only helps cool them down but also provides them with a refreshing snack. When you have fruit that is a bit overripe and no one in your house wants to eat it, blend it up and pour it into ice cube trays and keep on hand to give them in the afternoons. I like to sometimes add in mint from my garden as the menthol in the mint plant keeps them cooled down as well. Grab a handful or so of fruit ice cubes out of the freezer, put them in a bowl and put a bit of cool water over them to get them started softening just a bit then set it out for your ladies.
DUSTINB BATHING
Ensure that the chickens have access to a dust bath. Dust bathing helps them stay clean and cool, as it allows them to coat their feathers with fine dust, which absorbs excess oil and moisture. I always get a kick out of my chickens when they get all dusty then shake themselves out like a wet dog. They go from skinny dirty birds to super floofy fluffies that are much cooler and happier! Dust bathing is an important part of their daily routines year-round but especially in the warm and dry months, they need this to stay healthy and cool.
LET THEM RELAX
You should reduce stress and heat production by limiting activity during the hottest parts of the day. Chickens are less active in extreme heat, so provide resting spots with cooler surfaces is key to keeping them healthy and happy. If you see their combs getting pale and extra floppy, or they are starting to pant, it’s time to pay extra attention to them to avoid heat sickness. Every heat and cold tolerance will depend on where you live and what breed of birds you have but generally speaking, most backyard chickens can tolerate cold better than they can heat so make sure to keep an eye on them when those outside temps reach over 80-85 degrees.
It may seem like a lot but once you have a system down, it’s really easy to keep these ladies cool and happy. They need the same things humans and other animals do, rest, hydration, and a way to keep cool. Putting multiple things in place at the start of summer will help you stay stress free as well!
Check out the YouTube Video I did on keeping my ladies cool 🙂