Black Plumage & Heat Resistance

[Vantage]

Don't know if it's just a myth, but is it true that black birds tend to not do so well in the heat as white or lighter colored birds do?

 

[Goose girl1]

I Don't know, never thought about it before but black absorbs more heat so maybe.

 

[X_and_Z]

If there is a breeze, black plumage can be cooler than light plumage. It is probably why most desert birds have dark/black plumage (think vultures, etc).

https://books.google.com/books?id=4...&q=black birds desert heat resistance&f=false

 

[Vantage]

If there is a breeze, black plumage can be cooler than light plumage. It is probably why most desert birds have dark/black plumage (think vultures, etc).

Wow! I thought it was the exact opposite. That's really interesting, thank you.

 

[X_and_Z]

Wow! I thought it was the exact opposite.

It is dependent on a breeze - note that most desert mammals are not black furred. So the breeze associated with flight makes a difference.

Since most chickens aren't great fliers it may not apply to them unless you have a windy area/fans.

 

[nminusyplusm]

It is dependent on a breeze - note that most desert mammals are not black furred. So the breeze associated with flight makes a difference.

Since most chickens aren't great fliers it may not apply to them unless you have a windy area/fans.

x2
https://www.birdnote.org/show/benefits-ravens-black-feathers

 

[drumstick diva]

I imagine running a fan would do

 

[Beer can]

Doesn't matter what color they are when you reduce their featherage, naked necks are the way to go in heat...and they don't give two hoots about cold either

 

[ChickNanny13]

i've always thought that about "black" animals....I've had black cats & dogs, they still liked laying in the sun alot. I've had Australorps & Black Orpingtons, during the summer they did pant alot but spent alot of time in the patio

 

[Aye_It's_Liv]

I would think that they would just get hot like the other chickens but they might get dehydrated faster because of the black feather absorbing the sun. I wouldn't worry about it. Just remember to have shade and water for them in hot weather.