Hello Everyone- We are in a heat spell in CA. Just under 100 today. And expected to stay in mid to high 90's through Thursday. I put a 10"x13"x3" pan of water and ice in the pen and the hens are loving drinking the cold water. BUT - now they are basically pooping water. Is there a concern over this? I want to help them stay cool- but worry that excess water consumption might be bad. Their pen is fully shaded now, will have about 30% sun by around 4 pm. The ground is sandy dirt. They also have the coop, above the back of the run. thanks for any info! -Jerie
To each his Own----I personally would never give really cold water, mellon, etc to my hot chickens---only spiket cool water, shade, etc, I do not have mine in a "coop" during the day---they got shade as well as the ground to cool. If it hits 3 digits I will turn on a water sprinkler a few times for a few minutes to wet the yard, shade, etc.
Mine do the same, last summer and the 2 heat waves this year. No ill effects with my girls. Only down side for me is cleaning coop. GC
Yes, normal. However, during one heat spike last summer, I noticed that my pullets were stumbling around. I came in, mixed up some electrolytes (home made) for them, and within 1/2 hour they were acting perky and had their balance back again. I gave lytes to the whole flock, seeing to it that they had both electrolytes and plain water.
Thanks everyone! The thought of too cold never crossed my mind- something to think about. Glad to know the watery poop is normal. I will look up electrolytes - and keep in mind as the heat continues. The girls are now out free ranging- lots of shade in the yard for them now - and seem quite happy.
When ever the heat is miserably uncomfortable, I USUALLY let my flock out of their run so they can hunker down in a moist shady spot. IMO, I'd rather risk them being picked off by a predator under such conditions than being cooped up and miserably overheated.
Our run is entirely shaded until after 4 pm - and then the sun comes to the front of it. Definitely more shade there than where they like to hang out in the yard. The sides of the run are all hardware cloth- so plenty of air, especially if there is a breeze. The girls are usually out and about in the yard if we are home- had to be gone this afternoon- so they were locked up. Just hope this heatwave doesn't last too long!