With summer approaching for some of us, and summer ending for others. I figured now would be a great time to go over additions you can add, to help ensure your chickens are comfortable in the summer!
Addition #1, sprinklers
This one is a common one for many! However there are ways to improve it! Using PVC pipe, and a misting sprinkler heads. You can create a sprinkler system that spans all around your coop! As well as the added factor of the misting sprinkler heads being light against their feathers. It makes it more comfortable for them to walk through.
Now you might be thinking, what if my chickens just don't like getting wet? Can I still use this method? To that I say, yes you can! By creating a system in which different areas can be turned on separately, you can create something that can maximize your chickens comfort. As the misting sprinklers will wet dirt, and whatever the chickens love dust bathing in! So this way when the sprinkler turns off, your flock can use that wet dirt to dust bathe. In which helps cool them down in the heat!
Photo credit: Chicken Fans Editorial Team
Addition #2, multiple shade spaces
Shade spaces a lot of the time seems like a obvious choice. However most people do not often install more then 1-2 shade spaces! This is good for the chickens to have, but if you have lots of chickens, or chickens with lots of drama. You may want more than that, as bullying among chickens may result in some of your flock being forced out into the sun. And nor do you want the shade spaces to become overcrowded! So some good ideas of shade spaces to add for your flock can include:
-A plant that has large leaves or shade coverage (for more natural options)
-Creating wooden shade platforms
Or even just expanding the coop to feature more outdoor spots with shade!
This will help provide your flock with options in the summer heat, as well as ensuring the flocks comfort!
Photo Credit: Evgeniia Pavlova
Last but not least! Addition #3, cool food and water
The last on this list is ensuring that your flock has access of cold food and water! You can implement this through keeping ice cubes in their water so as it warms up it can stay cool! And you can provide them with some nice cool treats like lettuce, and you can put it under the shade houses to encourage them to stay in the shade! And to encourage them to stay cool!
This is all I have for this article! And it is in fact my first ever article! I do hope this has helped you and your flock stay cool in the summer!
Addition #1, sprinklers
This one is a common one for many! However there are ways to improve it! Using PVC pipe, and a misting sprinkler heads. You can create a sprinkler system that spans all around your coop! As well as the added factor of the misting sprinkler heads being light against their feathers. It makes it more comfortable for them to walk through.
Now you might be thinking, what if my chickens just don't like getting wet? Can I still use this method? To that I say, yes you can! By creating a system in which different areas can be turned on separately, you can create something that can maximize your chickens comfort. As the misting sprinklers will wet dirt, and whatever the chickens love dust bathing in! So this way when the sprinkler turns off, your flock can use that wet dirt to dust bathe. In which helps cool them down in the heat!
Photo credit: Chicken Fans Editorial Team
Addition #2, multiple shade spaces
Shade spaces a lot of the time seems like a obvious choice. However most people do not often install more then 1-2 shade spaces! This is good for the chickens to have, but if you have lots of chickens, or chickens with lots of drama. You may want more than that, as bullying among chickens may result in some of your flock being forced out into the sun. And nor do you want the shade spaces to become overcrowded! So some good ideas of shade spaces to add for your flock can include:
-A plant that has large leaves or shade coverage (for more natural options)
-Creating wooden shade platforms
Or even just expanding the coop to feature more outdoor spots with shade!
This will help provide your flock with options in the summer heat, as well as ensuring the flocks comfort!
Photo Credit: Evgeniia Pavlova
Last but not least! Addition #3, cool food and water
The last on this list is ensuring that your flock has access of cold food and water! You can implement this through keeping ice cubes in their water so as it warms up it can stay cool! And you can provide them with some nice cool treats like lettuce, and you can put it under the shade houses to encourage them to stay in the shade! And to encourage them to stay cool!
This is all I have for this article! And it is in fact my first ever article! I do hope this has helped you and your flock stay cool in the summer!
