keeping chickens cool in hot weather

[twisted troy]

I'm in central Texas and a 110 degree day isn't uncommon. I typically free range but in some cases I have to confine them to the coop. The coop is under some trees and one side is 1/2 open with chicken wire, there is also a large opening on the other side.

Lots and Lots of water!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tend to see birds in strange poses, stretching and spreading feathers to cool off even when their out in the yard!

 

[Cantonmentchickenmama]

I live in the panhandle of Florida. Today is a high of 94 degrees with the heat index it will feel like 101 degrees. I have done everything I know to do to keep my chickens cool. Their coop is under a huge shade tree. I put a shallow pan of water for them to walk in and drink. I sprayed and even flooded parts of the pen floor with water. I have extra waterers out and some have save a chick solution in it. I also bought them a watermelon. Is there anything I am missing? I lost a hen to heat stress yesterday and I am aiming to not loose anymore. I am unable to run to electricity to my coop for a fan. Is it better to keep them in the coop or allow them to free range to seek refuge in the bushes?

 

[cary 1973]

im thinking of bring mine back indoors during the heat of day but not sure if that will be good for them to be back indoors but stressing over the heat one of my chicks are breathign through her mouth

 

[supaflyz]

I think someone mentioned putting in freeze bottles. I tried that for a couple of days and they love it. I just uncap the bottle and put it in their pen in the morning. The heat just melts the water and the chickens love drinking the cool water.

 

[Erica]

For tractored birds I do a quick prune of the banana and palm trees. Then I lay fronds over the roof, crisscrossing so they completely shade the unit. The combination of moisture in the leaves, and darkness below, plus having a few layers of stuff on top, keeps it cool beneath. Afterward the prunings become mulch.

cheers
Erica

 

[jak2002003]

I put a juicy lettuce, cabbage or watermelon in the fridge over night.

Feed it to the chickens the next day when its hot weather.

It cools them down as they eat it and it also has lots of water inside to keep them hydrated.

Even the free range birds will like it!

 

[CityGirl35]

Good advice, all. It's brutal here in central Virginia. I'm going to rig up a fan to blow under the deck, where I've drenched the dirt with the hose, and put out a tray of water and a big bucket, and I've given them lots of fruit today for the water content. I also always put a bit of apple cider vinegar in their waterers and I hope that provides some...who knows...electrolytes? Although I guess they don't sweat. They are outside all day until dark. I did sprinkle them with the hose but they didn't seem to like that. I'm going to find some soda bottles and freeze water in them, too. Good thing recycling is tomorrow--I can find some tonight on my walk!

 

[bucky52]

i also live in central va.and yes it is hot hot!i my runs are roofed with shiny tin,to reflect the heat.and i have alumit shade clothes draped over one side of the run.to keep the evening sun off them.and i have five fans running and i put lots of water in their runs before i left for work this morning.hopefully they will be alright.i don't know what else to do to keep them cool.

 

[CovertS2]

I've heard that putting frozen tomatoes in with the chickens can keep them cooler. Have any of you heard of that / tried it?

 

[CityGirl35]

I wonder about a fan. I did fit a clip-on fan in the nesting-box area of the coop, but it was not really sucking in cooler air so I don't know that it was doing any good. Chickens don't sweat, right? So a fan is not going to cool them off the way it does humans. Unless, as I said, it is actually pulling in cooler air, but the way my coop is configured it wasn't. However, I did put a 64-oz. juice bottle (plastic) filled and frozen, in front of the fan. I don't really observe them in their 'box,' since they put themselves in there after dark and I just lock the door to the whole thing. Maybe they like standing in front of it, I don't know.

My five gals free range all day and so far, with 5+ days of 100+ heat, they are all okay. Laying did slow down a bit. I LOVE the idea of frozen tomatoes, corn, grapes, etc., and will see what I've got in the 'fridge to freeze for them! I put an old blanket under the deck and spray it with water a couple times a day.