How should I keep my chickens cool during the summer?

[freebird15]

Its heading into summer, and I'm trying to figure out ways to keep them cool during it. I was thinking of drilling holes in the enclosed area for ventilation. Someone told me to put ice blocks as well as a fan in their coop. Does anyone have any other ideas to keep them cool during the summer? Thanks

 

[Harmony Fowl]

I do have a fan in my coop, though it’s more to help things dry when the roof leaks. I do think the circulation of air is helpful.

I like to put pieces of plywood around the run leaning up against things to create shady spots. The coop is large, an additional space is covered and my outdoor brooder blocks some sun, but the lower ranking birds lose out on these spots and I find them camped out anywhere I provide. They also like hiding under the decks in warm weather. I built a sort of table out of pallets, too, to provide shade underneath.

 

[BreezyBre]

Working on that myself and other than making shady spots I've been freezing my veggie scraps for them and also been using some of my fermented feed as frozen chicken popsicles they can peck at

 

[GC-Raptor]

Water in coop, under raised coop and a large pan in run during summer that they can step in. . I also run a fan under the roosts on warm nights. .GC

 

[blackdog043]

First thing, for questions like this it helps to know your general location. If you add it to your profile, we will have a better idea of your climate.

I was thinking of drilling holes in the enclosed area for ventilation.

Do you have pictures you can post? We may be able to help you figure out better ventilation, rather than drilling small holes, which will not do much good.

 

[oregonkat]

Shade, shade and more shade. Access to plenty of fresh water that is also in the shade and very, very good ventilation in the coop so that there is a cross breeze at night!

 

[HenHouse4Life]

My chickens love a pkg of frozen veggies dumped into water in a bundt cake mold. Freeze it all together then toss it in the run for the chickens

 

[Unexpected chicken lover]

My chickens love cold watermelon and ice blocks

 

[SkyAndSand]

I built my coop and run directly next to my home on the north side, under tall Trees. The home has a crawlspace, and these square screened openings on the side of my home near the ground, where the cool air comes out is like having their own private air conditioning. They lay in front of those vents in the shade on hot days, and enjoy the good life. My girls are very spoiled.