Extreme heat preventative measures?

[FrostRanger]

I also don't do ice or frozen food (personal preference, nothing wrong with using them) what I do instead is provide foot baths and place them underneath their waterers to encourage them to actually stand in them and when it's really bad provide hydrohen in one waterer (but keep any other water sources plain so they have a choice) and I've noticed that it makes a big difference in how hot they act. I also mist which does help even though it's extremely humid here (YMMV though, some say it makes things worse in humid climates but I have not found this to be the case personally). Biggest things as others have said though are deep dark shade and lots and lots of ventilation. Open air coops are great if you live somewhere with very hot summers, otherwise, I'd aim for 2-3 feet of ventilation minimum per bird (coops in very hot climates need even more ventilation than usual)

 

[FrostRanger]

I didn't know about the fire risk with the box fan...thanks for the heads up there!

It's more expensive, but a good metal fan will move air far better than a plastic one. Had a customer at a previous job tell me this some years back and she was dead right. Only thing is they are very noisy which may make it take a while for the birds to get used to (and you'll obviously want to place it somewhere the birds can't get to and out of the weather) but they are worth it if you choose to go that route

 

[CabritaChicks]

Arizona humidity: 14%, SC 37%.
USVI humidity 89% today and 96F (can we say 'thick air'?)

I have never had an issue with runny droppings from a little extra glucose or sucrose from any bird- maybe if it is more than 10% of the diet- but all carbohydrates break down as sugar (whether is comes from fruit, peas, grains- etc). So maybe I should have clarified that...

The frozen bag of mixed items defrosts in less than 2 minutes... but at least it is cool and not 'baked'. In fact, here; my flock has access to wild fruit nearly 24/7. They forage on mangoes, papayas, kiwis, dragonfruit, mamey sapote, custard apple, soursop, sweetsop, pomegranates, caribbean plums, figs, bananas, plantains—you name it. Most of it grows wild right here on the property, along with a wide variety of native greens, vegetable matter, and cultivated produce. It's a fruit lover’s paradise, and the chickens take full advantage (so do all the feral chickens here- of all breeds).

Despite all that natural sugar and variety, all their health markers are excellent. Liver and kidney function tests? Perfect. Full bloodwork and even cholesterol levels? Spot on (which dehydration would also show up).

I also allow my birds to free-range from dawn until dusk, which gives them not only a diverse diet but the chance to self-regulate what they consume. They’re incredibly active, and especially with this intense Caribbean heat—being this close to the equator means the midday sun is no joke (they take is digging a hole and panting)—they absolutely love the frozen fruit and veggie concoctions I offer during the hottest part of the day. It’s more than just a treat—it’s how they stay cool, hydrated, and energized through the brutal combo of heat and humidity we get this time of year.

Never used a box fan (coop is too far away for a power chord- haha!), I got little mini solar fans (8" square things)- just helps keep air moving in the roost in the early evening especially if hens are laying and they all want to watch (technically Im watching on camera as well- haha! )

 

[dawg53]

"Thick air," cut it with a knife, we can relate here in Florida as well.
BTW: I've visited some of the Caribbean Islands. Loved it down there.

 

[CabritaChicks]

"Thick air," cut it with a knife, we can relate here in Florida as well.
BTW: I've visited some of the Caribbean Islands. Loved it down there.

There are three types of tourist that visit these islands:
'OMG! look at all these beautiful chickens!'
'OMG! Why are there all these chickens!"
and 'OMG! there is a chicken- RUN away!'
... haha. Just dealt with it last night- open air dining means chickens, and the three groups of tourists were so clear. LOL

 

[dawg53]

There are three types of tourist that visit these islands:
'OMG! look at all these beautiful chickens!'
'OMG! Why are there all these chickens!"
and 'OMG! there is a chicken- RUN away!'
... haha. Just dealt with it last night- open air dining means chickens, and the three groups of tourists were so clear. LOL

Hahaha, yeah I've seen that.
I was in the Navy back then. We had alot of port visits down there.

 

[D Uccle Uncle]

I have never had an issue with runny droppings from a little extra glucose or sucrose from any bird- maybe if it is more than 10% of the diet- but all carbohydrates break down as sugar (whether is comes from fruit, peas, grains- etc). So maybe I should have clarified that...

I should clarify my admonishment of "sweet treats."

It is the dose that makes the poison. On a scorching hot afternoon, loading a chicken's gut with a big load of watermelon (common example) will routinely result in "red diarrhea." That diarrhea will be associated with electrolyte loss. Blood testing immediately afterward should be normal...the bird will pull from stores that will be replenished with subsequent normal diet intake.

The problem with "sweet" in a treat is that birds are practically obliged to consume sweet things, where a watery sweet treat on a hot day can be problematic while not providing meaningful protective benefit.