High of 109 today.... ice water

[sawilliams]

So I know it's hot I already refilled all the water containers four all the animals. But I was sitting out side and had 6 chickens (of 41 total) up here in the shade all looking like they where about to pass out from heat exhaustion. I went around and fill every container again dumping and refilling most found so extra dog bowls to place water in other areas around the house, soaked the yard in a few places so they have cool spots to sit. Then I went inside and got ice from the freeze and went around a second time adding ice to all the water dishes. The good news is my will water tested this time last year at 68 degrees so I know it's cool water once I flush the hose. But even the ice was found in about 30min.

Everyone is already looking much better, but I'll be very lucky if we dont lose any too heat stroke this year. Time to dig out the mister, and I needed to add vitamins to the water as well.

 

[ashlierami]

So I know it's hot I already refilled all the water containers four all the animals. But I was sitting out side and had 6 chickens (of 41 total) up here in the shade all looking like they where about to pass out from heat exhaustion. I went around and fill every container again dumping and refilling most found so extra dog bowls to place water in other areas around the house, soaked the yard in a few places so they have cool spots to sit. Then I went inside and got ice from the freeze and went around a second time adding ice to all the water dishes. The good news is my will water tested this time last year at 68 degrees so I know it's cool water once I flush the hose. But even the ice was found in about 30min.

Everyone is already looking much better, but I'll be very lucky if we dont lose any too heat stroke this year. Time to dig out the mister, and I needed to add vitamins to the water as well.

This heat is horrible! My birds are experiencing the same. I have one big rooster that can't take it so I set up a tub that call his dust tub. It had potting soil that I pour cold water on and make moist. He loves laying in that thing. I ended up having to give him this tub because he tore up all my flower pots trying to dust. He had dust bath areas in the yard but I guess they aren't like the potting soil. I complain at him and tell him he's the reason we can't have nice things. ( I have no flowers this year). I also spray them with the water hose occasionally and they don't like it but they do cool off for a bit and I find it funny to see them run as if the water is deadly. They enjoy semi frozen blueberries to and I do the ice water thing as well. This summer has been terrible so far. Your birds sound super taken care of especially since you have them a mister!

 

[SimplyLivinthatFarmLife]

Same here! I also have to check the waterers to make sure the water is nice and cool. I have river sand that I wet down and this keeps them cool. I also open their coop to allow fresh air to circulate around. Not sure what I'm going to do next week since I start back working...guess I'll check first thing in the morning before I leave. Good luck to everyone.

 

[sawilliams]

I lost 2 a few years ago to heat and possibly internal parasites increasing the issue. Its hard becuase must times even if they are alive when you find them they are often times already too far gone. I'm worried about next week with fair we will be gone most of the day. Hopefully they will all manage to stay cool

 

[LittleMissCountry]

I threw about six water bottles in the freezer. Then during the hottest part of the day, I put the frozen water bottles on the ground. My chickens like to lay on them or next to them and they stay frozen for awhile. Then I put them back in the freezer for the next day.

 

[memphis]

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

When the temps were up here last week (way above average), I offered all of my birds frozen peas, frozen blueberries, frozen corn, etc. Lots of watering stations and fresh water 3 or more times a day. I also gave them ice cubes in their containers. I put an old dog water bowl on the ground so that the chickens could step in it to cool off if needed. I never saw them do that, but they drank from it.

 

[sawilliams]

When the temps were up here last week (way above average), I offered all of my birds frozen peas, frozen blueberries, frozen corn, etc. Lots of watering stations and fresh water 3 or more times a day. I also gave them ice cubes in their containers. I put an old dog water bowl on the ground so that the chickens could step in it to cool off if needed. I never saw them do that, but they drank from it.

My rooster kept standing in once of the dog blows yesterday. It was cute. But he is a huge lavender orpington so it probably took him a bit longer to cool off too.

 

[memphis]

Wading pools. 110 here too...

 

[MuddyHillFarm]

We have used old coolers and converted them into drinkers. Easy to toss ice into them to keep the water colder longer: http://muddyhillfarm.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15&products_id=12