Caring for your flock in extreme heat

[Newchickiemamma]

Hello,
I live in northeastern PA (poconos area) and we are under a heat advisory for the next few days. What can I do for my flock while I’m at work to ensure they are keeping cool while I’m working long hours (5am-5pm). I have two large water containers with fresh water out for them with an electrolyte/ probiotic mix and fresh food. I also have one broody chicken right now with pale wattles. Any help is appreciated!

 

[Pork Pie]

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/788391/keeping-chickens-cool-in-summer-heat

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/topic-of-the-week-keeping-chickens-cool-in-summer.1181934/

 

[boz]

Hello,
I live in northeastern PA (poconos area) and we are under a heat advisory for the next few days. What can I do for my flock while I’m at work to ensure they are keeping cool while I’m working long hours (5am-5pm). I have two large water containers with fresh water out for them with an electrolyte/ probiotic mix and fresh food. I also have one broody chicken right now with pale wattles. Any help is appreciated!

shade lots of shade and air flow

 

[Pugsabi]

Freeze a couple of water bottles and place them inside their waterers to keep the water cool.

 

[True Patriot]

Providing shade and plenty of water is a good idea. Adding electrolytes/vitamin mix will help reduce heat stress. They are outdoor creatures. As long as you provide the basics they should be fine.

 

[happyfrenchman]

You should be good. Water is the most important. Shade is also important.... the birds should be able to stay chill. Mine like to dust bathe when it is really hot.

 

[deepbluesea]

x2 what the others have said. I also make a wet patch in some sandy soil we have under a hedge and they wander over there at times. And I semi-freeze a watermelon and then give it to them in the shade. They love it and get hydration and cooling at the same time.

 

[Newchickiemamma]

Thanks everyone!!

 

[GRB73]

Hello-
I'm in SE PA near Philadelphia. Yesterday was unbearably hot for man and chicken alike! This is how we cope with the heat-
I give the girls lots of shade using shade cloths and a big container of fresh water. Sometimes I freeze a water bottle full of water and put that in their water. Last summer I bought a mister on Amazon for $15, hooked it to my hose and put it on a timer. When temps are forecast above 88 degrees, I set the timer to mist the run for 15 minutes every hour during the hottest part of the day. When I get home in the evening, I let the girls out and they run straight to their favorite dust bath spot.

 

[Pickyzel]

Hi I live in the poconos as well and am new to chickens. Thank you for that question, the answers have also helped me.