How Can I Help My Chickens Survive The Summer Heat?

[philbfarm]

Hello fellow chicken fans....This is my first summer as a chicken owner. The last couple of days have been brutal, today the temperature here reached the upper 90's.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to make my "girls" more comfortable? My run is covered and shaded. Also, there is always plenty of water. It's so hot, they don't even want to free-range....Thanks!

 

[dreamcatcherarabians]

I live in the south and upper 90's with 80% humidity is not uncommon. I make sure there is plenty of shade, I keep 35 gal tub of water full with fresh, clean water and occasionally I'll toss a milk jug of frozen water in the water tub to cool it down. I hose the side of the house where they like to sit under the bushes, so it cools the air under the bushes. Once in a while on a really brutal day, I'll take frozen peas, carrots and watermelon out for them to pick at, that really makes 'em happy.

 

[Smccau3]

I'm in MD and yesterday and today have been over 100!

I feel so bad for my babies, but they have their own way of cooling down. They pant and hold their wings out; their way of sweating.

I did put an umbrella out next to their run, so they have more shade when they are free ranging. I also just hosed down a whole area where they tend to congregate, hopefully that will help. They did not enjoy when I tried to spray them to cool them down!

I am also planning on giving them some frozen fruit to peck at, especially during the heat of the day.

Hope that helps!

 

[dancingflower68]

I use a mister in my chicken run, a fan blowing out through the coop (at night). and I put 16 oz frozen water bottles in their waterer. In the afternoon, I take out a pie plate filled with ice cubes and frozen fruit and veggies. They really like that!! They drink the water, stand in it and bob for blueberries!! I also give them watermelon and cantelope, sometimes I freeze the watermelon for them. The most effective thing has been the misters, heck, sometimes on hot days you'll find me sitting in the chicken run on a stump enjoying the mist!!

 

[philbfarm]

Thanks, I have a feeling it's going to be a long HOT summer. I just hosed down the roof of the run and sprayed the dirt down. The frozen fruit/vegetable and milk container are great ideas! I actually have peas in my garden, I'll pick and freeze, too -

 

[bucky52]

where did you find your mister at.i think i may have to invest in one.

 

[ChickNhood]

You can freeze 20 oz or 2 ltr bottles and toss them in the rin...the chickens will snuggle up with em to stay cool

 

[MammaHen6]

I put ice cubes in their water and on the run and add extra shade for them. I don't think it's working I just lost one of the Ladies yesterday. It's been around 105 here lately.

 

[MammaHen6]

I'll definitely try the bottle freezing thing. Maybe they will like to snuggle that.

 

[ChickaBamBam]

I drop frozen 16 oz bottles in their 3.5 gallon waterer and give our 2 labs and beagle frozen bottles and it entertains them for quite a while. I hadn't thought of putting the bottle in the chicken run. Sounds like a good idea. Going to give it a try. Thanks!!