Any tricks to keeping birds cool in the heat?

[le_bwah]

It's been in the mid 80s this week, but we reach 95+ easily during the height of summer. Are there any "tricks", beyond shade and cool water, to keeping coturnix comfortable in the summer?

I'd have picked a darker shade of roofing if I knew they'd be taking the heat so hard. I've hung two shades so far that seem to make a huge difference during the heat of the day, but I worry about how they'll handle days it's over 100.

 

[snow5164]

Shade, ice in water, freeze a pie plate with a can of veggies/frozen veggies or scraps. Add cold water to their feed, add electrolytes to their water

 

[RosieR]

Fans, frozen water jugs to lean on.

 

[le_bwah]

Thanks, I'll try frozen water jugs and wet feed tomorrow.

 

[cosmosue]

Yeah I am freezing bottles of water and placing them in the pens they can lick/drink the cool condensation and it will lower the temp a bit inside their pens, mine are all shaded and they are still hot I can see it in the face and eyes and panting. It’s been near 100 here in SC and we don’t get much breeze.

 

[Bdbutton]

I live in California and it gets over 100 degrees a lot. We put misters over the coop and run when they started panting. Cooled them right down.

 

[Diamond Dan]

I freeze empty gatorade bottles and sit them in the water bucket around noon every day its projected to get sweltering. Freeze the veggie scraps and toss them in during midday, Frozen bottles work for dogs too just use bigger jugs ala gallon drinking jugs. If you have an extra freezer/ Fridge you can stock up a lot of frozen bottles. Some yo can just return to the freezer over night

 

[le_bwah]

I freeze empty gatorade bottles and sit them in the water bucket around noon every day its projected to get sweltering. Freeze the veggie scraps and toss them in during midday, Frozen bottles work for dogs too just use bigger jugs ala gallon drinking jugs. If you have an extra freezer/ Fridge you can stock up a lot of frozen bottles. Some yo can just return to the freezer over night

Thanks for sharing tips! I've been trying the frozen bottles and treats method for about a week now, and my quail seem much more comfortable. They don't snuggle up to the bottles unless I put them in their usual hangouts, but they LOVE frozen veggies and wetted feed. I've also been putting a shallow pan of water in their enclosure which encourages them to drink more.

 

[RosieR]

Thanks for sharing tips! I've been trying the frozen bottles and treats method for about a week now, and my quail seem much more comfortable. They don't snuggle up to the bottles unless I put them in their usual hangouts, but they LOVE frozen veggies and wetted feed. I've also been putting a shallow pan of water in their enclosure which encourages them to drink more.

I just put a “kiddie pool” in for mine as well. They must feel more comfortable if they can wet their feet.

 

[le_bwah]

They've certainly enjoyed wading. I think it also helps keep their feet clean.