Keeping It Cool

[NVAnn]

It was pretty hot today, and we have have triple digits predicted for the next several days. The hens have been hot and I've been looking for a way to help them feel more comfortable. I saw a suggestions somewhere on BYC to freeze water bottles for them to lay on. I didn't really have time for that, but it gave me the idea to take them some ice cubes. One hen came out of the coop and laid right on top of them, as soon as she knew they were cool.

This picture is my second delivery of ice this evening. 7pm and still 100F. I gave them a big bowl of ice cubes with dinner scraps, then threw a little scoop of crumble on top. Happy hens and happy noises.

I guess we give the ice maker a run for it's money this weekend!

 

[R@ndy]

Awesome idea I might try that tomorrow

I have been giving mine nice cold watermelon slices

PS Nice looking birds, what breed are they

 

[NVAnn]

I have watermelon for them tomorrow.

Thanks, they are Lakenvelders. I have been in chicken keeping for about 19 days now, but I really like them! ;-). They lay small white eggs. While I only got one egg today (temp +/-106F), I have been averaging 3 eggs a day, with an occasional four egg day, with four hens.

 

[R@ndy]

They are really nice looking, if I didn't have all that I do I would try some. Well one or two wouldn't hurt anything lol I don't have any that lay white eggs

 

[jak2002003]

I live in Northern Thailand and in the hot dry season it gets VERY hot and the air is totally still.

I tried ice in big bottles laying about in the coop... but the hens ignored them.

Over the years I have found the best method is.....


Make the run and coop in a shady place.

Make a puddle in one area of the coop - the chickens love to paddle about in it and scratch the dirty under the water. They get cool by the water on their legs and feet and under their bodies. Also they will splash water on their wattles and faces while pecking about in the water... this will cool them down too.

I have found this keeps them cool enough, and they stop panting.

You could also put a small fan in the coop when they roost for the evening, but be very careful about safety. (i have never had to use a fan in the coop).

 

[CowGrrrl]

I have fans secured to the windows in my coops, they work like a charm! Also watermelon slices work, and cantaloupe. I also fill a large-sized plastic bag with water, let it freeze in the freezer for 2 days, take it outside, smash the bag against a tree trunk, and then open the bag and dump the ice shards in the chicken's water.