Heat and 3 week old chics

[Iowachild]

Thanks in advance for advice. I have three week old chics that are doing great in coop and run. We are having extreme heat right now and one of the things I read said frozen watermelon to help keep chickens cool but I've also read they are two young to introduce this. Looking for ways to keep them happy, healthy and help cool them down.

 

[Blooie]

I don't think they are too young. We do them a great disservice by not "thinking" more like a Chicken Mama and less like a "Chicken Keeper" sometimes. Mama Hen wouldn't hesitate to take them over to a nice, cold watermelon on a hot day and showing them that it was good to eat, even if they were just days old. Anytime she spots something good to eat, she makes a beeline for it, and her chicks follow, eating whatever she's enjoying. So let 'em eat watermelon!

 

[Iowachild]

Thank you. Got a watermelon this am had it in the freezer for about 5 hours and took it out to them waiting to see if they are interested. Also put a fan blowing on one end of the run.

 

[Blooie]

You are very welcome! I should also gave added that watermelon doesn't have to frozen to help them cool down a little - just the extra water in them helps rehydrate chicks (and chickens) very well.