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How do Brahma chickens handle hot weather

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by greenSearcher, May 1, 2011.

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  1. May 1, 2011 #1
    greenSearcher

    greenSearcher Songster

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    Aug 22, 2010
    Texoma
    I have lusted for a couple/three dark Brahma hens for awhile now, actually since I saw my first picture. I live in N TX, summer temps consistently over a hundred June until Labor day. It is a dry windy heat. Last summer was my first year, and I lost 2 birds to heat exhaustion, a black EE and one of the Cuckoo Marans. Almost lost the Speckled Sussex. I have improved their coops to keep them cooler this year (already have had 100 degree days) but I don't want to get these beauties if they will suffer from heat. Any experiences?
     

  4. May 2, 2011 #2
    mulewagon

    mulewagon Songster

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    Nov 13, 2010
    Alabama
    My first chickens were Light Brahmas. It was a bad drought year - they panted a lot in the heat, and sneezed from the dust. We have plenty of shade, and I gave them ice water twice a day, so none of them died.
     
  6. May 2, 2011 #3
    gritsar

    gritsar Cows, Chooks & Impys - OH MY!

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    Nov 9, 2007
    SW Arkansas
    My flock of brahmas does very well in our horrible SW Arkansas summers. I'm from Florida originally, so I can rightfully call Arkansas summers horrible.

    Plenty of fresh water, both inside and out, and fans in their coop. I've noticed a pattern with my brahmas. In the summertime they will forage in the early morning and later in the evening. During the heat of the day they find a nice patch of shade to lay in and keep cool. My birds free range. The brahma flock is a little over 3 years old and doing great. Added bonus, no special care in the wintertime. They breeze right through it.

    ETA: Keep stresses to a minimum during the heat of the day. If I want to give them treats or work with them or their coop, I do it in the cooler morning hours so they don't get overheated with activity.
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2011

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