Keeping them cool

[Pampered chicken girl]

It's been super hot and humid down here in southwest Florida. All the girls have been panting and lying around. I have blinds for shade and plenty of ventilation but is there any other way I can keep them cool this coming summer.
Thanks

 

[aart]

They also get electrolytes and probiotics in their water.

Electrolytes should not be given full time, just once a week or so.
Probiotics are not needed, most good chicken feed already have them.

 

[3KillerBs]

Here's my article on Hot Climate chicken keeping: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hot-climate-chicken-housing-and-care.77263/

Misters work best in hot DRY climates. In an already humid climate they can make things worse.

 

[aart]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-extreme-weather-spiel.75893/

 

[Acre4Me]

Oh I didn't know, I only give prebiotics because they are in the formula with the electrolytes. Is also has acidifiers what are they?

The general rule with additives (of any kind) in water is that you also offer plain water at the same time. Note that electrolytes in water create a very happy medium for microbes, so it is important to keep it clean and not leave it out for a long time.

Keep all water in the shade. We often have a large waterer behind a propped up piece of OSB - it is 6’ tall and 3’ wide and completely shades the large waterer.

In the afternoon when their run is in the shade, I will make a mash with water and feed. Sprinkle seeds or chopped up fruit on top. Push in as many ice cubes as I can. They devour this wet mash and the melting ice keeps it cool. I find that during hottest periods they don’t drink enough or eat much so the slow down in laying. But this gets them to eat and drink at the same time, and helps the egg production. Plus, it’s still their actual feed, so they are getting adequate nutrition.

Some people add ice to the waterers. Some will use a shallow and large tray then add ice so it melts and the chickens can stand in the shallow water to cool off.

Breeds: heavily feathered breeds are less tolerant of heat, but a Mediterranean type tends to handle the heat a bit better.

 

[TXKukupantsKoop]

No end in site for temps 100+. Saturday and Sunday it's 105 and that's without heat index figured into it. I'm exhausted from keeping these babies cool.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I'm sorry I can't personally relate (other than short periods in summer) as my typical Pacific Northwest is wet and cool.

However, on hot days you can put out chilled watermelon slices as a snack. Also many owners who live in perpetual hot places (like my daughter in TN), have misting and fan systems to keep the birds cool.

For me, I've been known to run the sprinkler for the birds to play in (which they absolutely love on a hot day).

I'm sure others who live in the heat will have more suggestions.

LofMc

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Here's my article on Hot Climate chicken keeping: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hot-climate-chicken-housing-and-care.77263/

Misters work best in hot DRY climates. In an already humid climate they can make things worse.

GOOD point. Southwest Florida would be very humid.

I know when I was a kid in Arizona, my family used a swamp cooler that kept things nice and cool. We had one in Oregon, and it was TERRIBLE. My western Oregon is already so humid that adding more humidity made things worse.

LofMc

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

Electrolytes should not be given full time, just once a week or so.
Probiotics are not needed, most good chicken feed already have them.

Thats all i do they dont get it more than once a week. I give it to them on the hottest day every week.

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

I gave them a half of a watermelon that we had eaten most of today there are still some pink bits left but it was mostly White let's just say they loved it I came back this afternoon to check it and basically only the green skin is left guess I'll be putting out watermelon to keep them cool from now on