Food for hydration

[rolffamily]

I heard a radio segment on eating for hydration in the heat. The lady suggested fruits and vegetables for the water content. Wouldn't you suppose this would be the same for your chickens? I have been giving them the lettuce out of the garden every morning. It's getting a little bitter in the heat, but they don't seem to mind.

 

[CariLynn]

I would think it would be, we have been giving our flock lettuce that is cold from the frig, watermelon, and things that are "wet". Today, our temperatures in VA are suppose to hit 101 with a heat index of 115, so will go water down part of their yard so they have moist dirt to dig in the shade and hopefully they will stay cool that way too! I feel so bad when I go out there and they are panting and holding their wings out.

 

[flowergirl60]

Cold fruit and veggies definitly will help. My girls are getting frozen grapes, cantelope, and lettuce wich is good b/c lettuce has a high water content.

 

[Ellie]

I've found that cold watermelon seems to help. I live where it is VERY hot. It is like drinking sugar water I suppose.

 

[HenCrazyMom]

Today I just made some treats for keeping my girls hydrated. I used 2 divided plastic containers and put BOSS and scratch in each one then filled each section with water and threw them in the freezer. I can take out one or two sections at a time to give the girls to pick at and get extra water and stay cool.