Hot Chickens; Help

[Chickens9Dogs4]

Hello. I need plenty of help. I noticed that my hens have been panting and looking for alot of shade lately. I live in Arizona, so it's very hot. Can I please have tips on how to help the problem. Thank you

 

[BackyardFlock17]

Something I do when my hens are hot is put a dish of ice water in the run. The drink it and dip their feet in it. Also, make sure there is lots of shade.

 

[mustang56]

Wet them down.....with a hose....or get a bucket and dip them...

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

I use dishpans & cat litter boxes with a couple inches of water for them to stand in. I also put out frozen 2 liters to help cool the area as they melt...some of the chicks stand on them or just sit by them. Definitely shade. They also like to dirt bathe/dig a shallow hole in the dirt to cool off. A mister can go a long way for them too...I run a mister stand most of the day for them. Lots of water....I'll add ice at times. Frozen treats for them too--I do frozen veggies, fruit, etc. Sometimes I just put ice out to melt on the ground.

Try to establish a cool zone...mine's on my patio right now. So the mister is there going as are the pans of water. It's also where I set out the 2 liters. I have various items on my patio that make "short walls" to help reflect the cold from the 2 liters into an area. Sort of like having a small box that you'd put the 2 liters in or in front of...if that makes sense. They'll move where they need to go, but 1 area is easier to really try to bring down than a whole yard. That's where I concentrate with the ice, etc. Needs to be a constantly shaded area if possible...that'll go a long way.

As suggested, if you need to dip them into cool water. I try to keep a full dishpan ready to go just for that, but only if they're really having a problem. I've also just held them in front of the mister, spreading their wings so their whole body gets misted.

If we're having a really hot night I've put the frozen 2 liters in the coops too.

 

[Chickens9Dogs4]

Thank you very much! Very helpful. Our Summer days here in Douglas are very hot here and I believe this will work. I am very new to having chickens and I don't have anyone to help me, so Thank You very much. :3

 

[bunsnpupsnchick]

Thank you very much! Very helpful. Our Summer days here in Douglas are very hot here and I believe this will work. I am very new to having chickens and I don't have anyone to help me, so Thank You very much. :3

Understand. WeatherUnderground has my area at 110 right now. I think we hit 100 by about 9 this morning. Really hot way earlier than normal & staying that way long past sundown. There's an Arionza Chickens thread under the where are you forum. Been some nice people there.

Have an old friend who's from there...small world.