Crushed ice?

[Chicks Galore3]

It is so HOT!!! My poor chickens...I have 4 fans on them and they have lots of water, but they are still acting hot. I even took away the nesting boxes (and provided them with "open air" boxes) because they were over heating when they tried to lay an egg. I don't know what else I can do for them. I did have an idea - in the winter, my chickens LOVE to eat broken icicles. That's the only reason they go out when it's cold, I'm pretty sure. Could I give them some crushed ice to help them cool down? Or do you think that would be dangerous?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You want to stay away from ice for consumption, or ice water for that matter because it constricts the capillaries. Just make sure the water is cool and stays out of the sun.

Chickens love a foot bath when it's hot. For that you can freeze water bottles and place one in the foot bath to keep the water cool.
Provide as much shade as possible.
You can hang a frozen milk jug of water from the roof at roost level so they can snuggle next to it at night.

 

[Sweetles]

I'm not sure I understand your concern about feeding them crushed ice. My girls absolutely love it and have been eating it for a long time with no ill effects. Obviously if it really is actually dangerous for them, please explain and I'll stop giving it to them immediately. But for now, it's one of the highlights of their day. They look at it as a special treat. Actually, my husband will sprinkle out some mealworms for them, then comes mom with the bowl of crushed ice and they come running, leaving the worms for the ice! I guess that would be one reason for stopping as it bums him out. LOL!