Keeping chickens cool in the summer?

[MyPetNugget]

We just build a new screen door for our coop and they always have water but they still are very hot. I know because they have their wings kind of held away from their bodies and they are breathing heavy with their mouths open. Can chickens swim? Could I put some kind of container out full of water for them to swim in?

 

[iwiw60]

Are you saying that your flock stays in the coop 24/7?? You don't have an outdoor run area?

 

[MyPetNugget]

We do have a run area and a coop that they can always access (except at night)
Here is a picture of the coop:

The part with the lattice is their run area. It is fully predator proof under, over, and on the sides.
I plan to help build a chicken tractor within the next month I think, but we can't free range until we do because of hawks and other sky predators. I just need some help on how to keep them cool in the interim. Any help appreciated.

 

[iwiw60]

Here's a good idea for inside the coop:


Use a furnace filter and a box fan Attach a furnace filter with hook-and-loop tabs to the air intake side of a box fan and hang the fan between the ceiling joists so you won't hit your head on it. Just switch it on and fine dust particles from the coop will be drawn into the filter by the vacuum created by the fan. Easy-peasy!!

 

[MyPetNugget]

Cool! Do you know were I could get one? Thanks so much!

 

[Classy Chick]

I put water in old milk or juice jugs and freeze them. I put them in the coop and all of mine love sitting by them and sometimes even perching on them! It helps keep them cool for a while, and I just always keep a frozen jug on hand to switch out with the ones that melt.

 

[MyPetNugget]

I put water in old milk or juice jugs and freeze them. I put them in the coop and all of mine love sitting by them and sometimes even perching on them! It helps keep them cool for a while, and I just always keep a frozen jug on hand to switch out with the ones that melt.

That's a great idea! Now do you just set them down on the floor or hang them up somehow? Thanks!

 

[Classy Chick]

I just set them down on the floor in a shady place so that they don't melt as fast. Really helps keep them cool, happy I could help!!!

 

[MyPetNugget]

Thanks so much Classy chick! This is a good idea and I will post back on here how it works!

 

[Classy Chick]

Your welcome! Hope it works!