How to Keep chickens cool in the summer

[the_peanut_coop]

Hello, I live in western united states, and the summers here can be extreme, up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. today it was 81 degrees and I have almost all cold-hardy hens. How can I keep them laying? Last year we didn't get much eggs in the summer.

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

I saw people but scratch and other treats in water and freeze it and let them work to get it!

 

[the_peanut_coop]

I saw people but scratch and other treats in water and freeze it and let them work to get it!

Will that hurt their beaks? I have sensitive front teeth that hurt near anything cold.

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Will that hurt their beaks? I have sensitive front teeth that hurt near anything cold.

ME TOO! Ice cream is painful! I don't think it will. There are lots of posts on Pinterest about!

 

[3KillerBs]

Lots and lots of shade, ventilation, and fresh, clean water.

I gave mine electrolytes about once a week last year in hot weather (North Carolina summers have 95-95 weather -- 95F at 95% humidity), but always in a separate waterer.

@aart has a great write up on the subject here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-extreme-weather-spiel.75893/

 

[Aapomp831]

I give mine frozen watermelon chunks.

 

[the_peanut_coop]

They're always just so hot when they go up to lay eggs! Should I have like a little window for each nesting box that they can poke thier head out of? Should I have a fan running inside the acctual coop?

 

[3KillerBs]

They're always just so hot when they go up to lay eggs! Should I have like a little window for each nesting box that they can poke thier head out of? Should I have a fan running inside the acctual coop?

If your coop is hotter inside than than the air is outside then you need more ventilation.

 

[the_peanut_coop]

If your coop is hotter inside than than the air is outside then you need more ventilation.

How do I do ventalation? this was a very piece by piece diy coop from a feed store.

 

[3KillerBs]

How do I do ventalation? this was a very piece by piece diy coop from a feed store.

Unfortunately, those little prefab coops are often VERY difficult to ventilate. If it's the kind with the attached, covered run you might want to take the siding off the entire wall that faces into the run and replace it with wire.

Can you show us photos of your coop both inside and out?