It's hot in the Valley

[Babnboots]

We moved to the Central Valley California last year. This spring we got our first chicks (2 buff Orpington, 2 Rhode island red, 2 barred rock). They graduated to their coop about 2 weeks ago but the past several days we've had 100 plus degree days. I check their water and feed, water the run down, keep them shaded. I've read both sides of ice cubes, fans, frozen treats and I'm leaning toward not doing those things since its going to be like this more often than not and why not let them adjust? Is there anything I'm missing? Thanks

 

[sloanbychoice]

In extreme heat, they will slow their eating at times. I like to make a mash by adding water to their layer feed. They think it’s a new amazing treat, it helps keep them more hydrated, and makes sure they eat enough.

I have fans in the coop. I bought the kind that run on the same batteries as power tools. I love them. They run for several hours in high.

Keep a kiddie pool of shallow water and add bricks in it. The bricks absorb water and will stay cooler than the water itself. They can stand on the bricks to keep their feet cool.

 

[Acre4Me]

Great thoughts by @sloanbychoice.

My chickens do LOVE their wet mash. they like it pretty soupy.

have Mediterranean type birds. They tend to be leaner and not heavily feathered, so they can withstand the heat better.

some people add a mister to part of the run, but not all chickens love a mister, sokeep it to one area they can choose to go in or not.

some people proactively treat their flock with electrolyte solution weekly during hot weather. you can buy the pre-mix for chickens or there are homemade recipes on here.