Keeping birds from overheating

[Ra_]

These young birds are being conditioned to overcome their instinct to avoid wading in water.
Once they realize how good it feels on a 95 degree day, they will eventually make use of the deeper shady wading areas that I provide.
The water really sucks the heat out of their legs.
Big Mama camps out in there for much of the day when it's this hot.

 

[centrarchid]

That works, but forces them to walk when they might otherwise be laying down. I thoroughly we ground that is likely to be in shade during hottest part of following day, and better yet all day. The birds scrape shallows holes into it and lay down. Evaporative cooling from soil does some cooling. The soil also takes time to worm up after cooling overnight.

 

[centrarchid]

When it gets really hot, the birds really slow down on feed intake eating only during early morning hours and just before dark.

 

[Ra_]

When it gets really hot, the birds really slow down on feed intake eating only during early morning hours and just before dark.

I feed first thing in the morning of course but I also give the birds all the mash they can eat before bed. I like fat birds. I've got a 14 pound hen.

 

[aart]

That works, but forces them to walk when they might otherwise be laying down.

Well, it's their choice.
Mine act like me at the lake, kinda, go for a refreshing swim then lounge on the beach.

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!