How can i cool my girls down in the summer?

[pnwmom]

My girls are about 3 1/2 months old. We let them free range for awhile each day, but when they are in their pen, even though they have fresh water, they seem to be panting. I don't want them to be overheated. We have a board that covers the sunny side of their pen. I know they don't like to get wet, but what about hosing some water in their pen for them to burrow down in?

 

[PD-Riverman]

If they got dirt to scratch in---to make a hole like the dogs do---they can cool some there. Having good shade and air movement. Several places sell misters that you can hook a water hose to that will for sure cool them off---you would only need to run it during the hottest part of the day. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Misting-Sys...020679&hash=item2a6ca19469:g:P8MAAOSwdzVXjn66

 

[pnwmom]

Thank you. Our ground here is very clay like, which make it kindve hard for them to dig holes. That's why I thought maybe wetting their pen down with a hose, making it easier to dig. But I like your idea of a mister. I will try that for mid day cooling. Thank you very much!

 

[Kiki]

Ice water and even a pan/dish of cool water for them to walk in will help too.
Also freezing gallon water jugs and placing them in their "house" so they can lean against helps to keep them cool too.
Welcome to BYC!
This video should help you learn your way around the site:

 

[drumstick diva]

As Kiki mentioned pans (shallow) of water are good for them to stand in. Cool feet = cool chicken. Plenty of shade, natural or artificial; tarps, shade cloth over the top of run.
Chickens love watermelon and they get extra fluid from it.

 

[chicks are life]

I spray mine down and there pen any time there panting they may hate it at the being but they are cooled down and appreciate it after.