Relief for the Heat

[dougp23]

It is pretty hot today and tomorrow. My backyard is pretty much wide open, and the pen is up against one of the few trees I have. What else can I do to make it a little more bearable for my ladies? Somewhere I read about putting water on the ground, not sure if they go in it to cool off or what....

I'm kind of new to this, lol!

 

[Wynette]

As long as they can get out of the heat and into some shade, they should be fine. Some folks put blocks of ice in their water, others offer frozen veggies (such as the ones that come in a block - broccoli or spinach). Some folks even put a fan out for their flocks. I don't use a fan, but have offered frozen veggies...they turn their beaks up at it. Ice cubes in the water don't last long, but they make ME feel better!

 

[fordmommy]

Here are just a few posts I found. Go up to the "search" tab and type in "Heat Index". Alot of forums came up. Good luck and hope some of these help.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=204053

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=201557

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=204645


And when it's hot, I give watermelon.

 

[scooter147]

If shade is an issue here is a trick I used once.
Put a sheet or several sheets on the side of the run that faces the west, that way around 2 or so it provides shade. Attach the sheets to the wire with clothespins.

Shade is not my concern hear they have plenty of it but back in June when we had a week of over 100 degrees and humidity to match I simple put the garden hose on mist and spray them down.
The don't like it much but it cools them off, they stop panting and they don't hold their wings out after their shower.

 

[MagsC]

We did this with rabbits, maybe it would work with chickens? We froze water in milk jugs and put those in with them.