Chicken Heat Safety Tips
Keeping your feathered friends happy and healthy during scorching summer days is not just a matter of comfort; it's a vital aspect of chicken-keeping. Picture this: your chickens, decked out in tiny sunglasses and sipping on chilled lemonade, lounging by a poolside coop oasis. 🏝️ Okay, maybe they won't be wearing sunglasses, but trust us when we say that keeping your flock cool in hot climates is absolutely critical to their well-being.
Did you know that a chicken's normal body temperature ranges from a toasty 105°F to 107°F? 🥵 It's true! With such high internal heat, our feathered friends become extra susceptible to the perils of high temperatures. When exposed to extreme heat, chickens can experience a host of heat-related ailments that can have a devastating impact on their health.
We're here to equip you with some tips and tricks to help you keep your flock cool, calm, and collected as the temperature rises.
How to keep your chickens cool in the heat ☀️
Provide constant access to cool, clean water. 💦
Dehydration is one of the largest concerns for chickens on a hot day. Make sure your waterers are filled at all times with cold water. Ensure waterers are in a shaded area to keep it as cool as long as possible. Some chicken keepers will also add ice to the water.
Create shaded areas that your chickens can retreat to. 🌤️
If your chicken run is in a spot that gets a lot of sun, you can use shade cloth or canopy to keep the sun from beating down directly on your flock. Here are a few easy shade options available on Amazon for under $30:
Ensure your coop is well-ventilated. 💨
There should be ample airflow through the coop to regulate temperatures. Depending on your coop’s orientation, you can also use a fan to increase airflow.
Keep the ground cool. 😎
Surfaces in direct sunlight can reach temps much higher than the air. Keeping the ground wet using a spray hose or mister can help regulate this.
Here are a few options available on Amazon:
Offer water-packed, hydrating treats. 🍉
Watermelon is a favorite among many flocks. Cooled berries, cucumber, and leafy greens will also leave chickens happy and a little more hydrated.
Offer a wet, clean area for chickens to stand in. 💧
While you shouldn't get a chicken's entire body wet (this makes them unable to regulate their own body temp), allowing them to stand in or near a shallow wet area can cool their body through their feet. Some people use kid's pools with blocks to stand on for this.
What are your tips and tricks for keeping your flock cool in the heat? Let us know in the comments! 💬
