How do you help chickens beat the heat in summer

[RebeccaRN]

Even if they are not laying yet, getting too hot will cause them problems. More than any other thing, chickens will have problems in heat.

That's why I'm so concerned

 

[Parront]

That's why I'm so concerned

And rightly so. Even shade is no help at a high temp+humidity. People here in AZ put ice blocks in wading pools, and the chickens will stand in the cool water. They learn -- you might have to put them in the water the first time or 2!

 

[RebeccaRN]

Some ice cubes in the waterer helps, too.

I'm freezing a milk jug full of water as we speak and will put it in their house tonight maybe with the fans that will help some for now

 

[Parront]

I'm freezing a milk jug full of water as we speak and will put it in their house tonight maybe with the fans that will help some for now

I have seen them snuggle up to the jug!

 

[RebeccaRN]

And rightly so. Even shade is no help at a high temp+humidity. People here in AZ put ice blocks in wading pools, and the chickens will stand in the cool water. They learn -- you might have to put them in the water the first time or 2!

Yes your right I had to put a couple in and they liked it so the others will hopefully follow suit

 

[Parront]

Yes your right I had to put a couple in and they liked it so the others will hopefully follow suit

Here is a link to a AZ chicken owner's broody. Notice frozen water bottle by the cage. https://www.backyardchickens.com/posts/22861816/

 

[Parront]

Yes your right I had to put a couple in and they liked it so the others will hopefully follow suit

They have to learn to be ducks in the heat!

 

[RebeccaRN]

It's already 81 with 78% humidity uugghh!!

 

[aart]

It's already 81 with 78% humidity uugghh!!

About the same here. The humidity takes me down and the birds definitely suffer more in it.

To determine heat stress levels I go by activity level, if panting and wing holding seems extreme, I throw out a few treats to see if everyone is moving well. Lethargy is the panic point.

To help cool down the coop I also have a box fan in the east window of coop, where it's shady most the day, and turn it on late afternoon...blows cooler air into coop and pushes hot air out.

Deep all day shade is best but....I don't have much of that.
This has worked very well to keep heat stress/stroke at bay:

I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

 

[RebeccaRN]

About the same here. The humidity takes me down and the birds definitely suffer more in it.

To determine heat stress levels I go by activity level, if panting and wing holding seems extreme, I throw out a few treats to see if everyone is moving well. Lethargy is the panic point.

To help cool down the coop I also have a box fan in the east window of coop, where it's shady most the day, and turn it on late afternoon...blows cooler air into coop and pushes hot air out.

Deep all day shade is best but....I don't have much of that.
This has worked very well to keep heat stress/stroke at bay:

I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

Yes I started electrolytes in their water last week and am doing ice in their pool as suggested last night, as well as a frozen milk jug of water in their house at night with the fans