Keeping Chickens Cool In a Heat Wave

[Starburst]

Yes, free-ranging canl help them cope better with the heat. Chickens are fairly good at finding what spots are cool (and it's not always the ones the people would think of.)

But, it really depends on the predators on your area--running from predators doesn't keep them cool, and no amount of shade will help a chicken that's been eaten by something.

So you'll have to make the final decision about whether predators vs. heat is more dangerous to your chickens right now.

I know what you mean. My chickens used to free-range full time, but after multiple coyote attacks, which resulted in the loss of one of my hens, they went into their large run. I'm thinking I'll probably watch them the entire time if I free-range, though, so hopefully that will help with the predator problem.

 

[Sherri1990]

Hi, everyone! I hope this is in the right forum. Over here in Washington, we're expecting a heatwave 90+ degrees Fahrenheit this weekend. My chickens aren't used to heat like that. Usually for them, when it hits 70 degrees Fahrenheit, they start panting. I know chickens are pretty good at adjusting, but I'm pretty worried about how they'll be able to handle this heat. Does anyone have some tips on keeping them nice and cool? Their run and coop are situated under two massive cedars, so I think they'll get a good amount of shade. I'm also planning on putting ice in their water and refilling it often...but do you have any other suggestions? Also, would it be better to free-range them during the heatwave so they can find their own places to stay cool? Thanks!

I use cooling mats from amazon. The kind you would buy for a dog. They have a gel in them and you fill it with water. My chickens love it.

 

[Starburst]

I use cooling mats from amazon. The kind you would buy for a dog. They have a gel in them and you fill it with water. My chickens love it.

Thanks! I'll check it out.

 

[lovesfarms]

Its hard seeing them pant and they can't tell you when they feel near exhaustion and if they are penned up we feel the responsibility to make sure they aren't suffering. I mix loose soil with a little water in a small box and if they sit in they dust bathing, they stop panting

 

[IamRainey]

Thank you! I am a little concerned about my chicken breeds, (Such as my Wyandotte, Australorp, and Buff Orpington )

I have a Wyandotte and 2 Orpingtons. I'm grateful to say they made it through a day that peaked at 110˚ today.

They'll spend their day in as much shade as they can find. Offer them other choices like the breeze of fans and wet spots to dig in. Put out water in various locations so they don't have to go far to stay hydrated. They appreciate fruits and vegetables with high water contents. Don't be surprised to see them dig in and rest in cooler earth below the surface.

 

[aart]

EL and ice blocks get us thru it here.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-hot-weather-spiel.75893/

 

[FransGran]

I am in the Phoenix area, and it's been a terrible summer, of course. I agree with what everyone has said. Also, my Orpington in particular likes to wade in these little dishes. I leave them around the yard in shady spots, they all both drink and wade in them. For example:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FYTZ9LH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And they all like muddy spots to cool down their feet. Here is the Orpington in one of the pools.

 

[KTobolka]

I'm a very new chicken keeper, but we're looking at 102-110 temps for the next 4 or 5 days, so I feel your pain. My chickens are almost 8 weeks old and have done ok in the heat so far (mid 90s to low 100s since they went outside at 4 weeks). I have misters that I turn on periodically (inexpensive at Home Depot and they attach to my hose). Because the join isn't perfect, the hose leaks water when the misters are on, so I just angle that into a shady spot in their run. They enjoy walking in the pooling water. I also give them frozen watermelon and add water to their feed to make a mash in the evenings. I just put a fan out today to help keep the air moving. It's a learning process, but we just do the best we can for our friends!

Good luck!

I'm in Dallas, Texas area. It's been 102 - 105 consistently for 4 to 5 days. My Buffs are 18 weeks old. Full feathered and are doing very well. Extremely healthy. I give them free range on .45 acres. Seems that they are able to adjust to the heat and fend for themselves well. They get a really good mix of greens, proteins as well as fruits and vegetables. I just cut up a watermelon for them as a treat.

 

[Starburst]

I have a Wyandotte and 2 Orpingtons. I'm grateful to say they made it through a day that peaked at 110˚ today.

They'll spend their day in as much shade as they can find. Offer them other choices like the breeze of fans and wet spots to dig in. Put out water in various locations so they don't have to go far to stay hydrated. They appreciate fruits and vegetables with high water contents. Don't be surprised to see them dig in and rest in cooler earth below the surface.

Thank you! I will do that.

 

[Starburst]

EL and ice blocks get us thru it here.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-hot-weather-spiel.75893/

Thanks! The article was very helpful.