SLW in Texas summer heat

[Davery1019]

How do I keep these birds from having a heat stroke? They are in the shade but I worry about the temp in the coop. It has 2 vents and the apex roof has openings. What else can I do for my 2 girls?

 

[chickengirl778]

The best things are to make sure their water is cold, and also give them some frozen treats such as frozen corn or chopped-up strawberries. Also, if they have a little puddle to stand in that would cool off their feet

 

[Davery1019]

The best things are to make sure their water is cold, and also give them some frozen treats such as frozen corn or chopped-up strawberries. Also, if they have a little puddle to stand in that would cool off their feet

Thank you!

 

[chickengirl778]

You're welcome! Making some giant ice cubes for their water is easy, and with some Googling you'll find lots of other ways to keep them cool. A mister is not a great option because they hate being wet, it actually makes them hotter. Other than that, most advice is good!

 

[scoopsmom]

I'm from Texas too...right outside San Antonio area. This will be my second summer with chickens. My chicken yard is located entirely in the shade, which should definitely be your number 1 priority. Also each day they get 1 or 2 big frozen juice bottles to stand on or lay next to. I put a frozen water bottle in their water bucket and if its really hot I usually change it out once or twice because it can thaw and get hot again very quickly. They have a small shallow pool (like mentioned above) to stand in, and I put a frozen pack in it to keep it from getting hot. And of course, frozen treats! Right now mine are loving these ice cubes with corn and other mixed veggies. It can be good to put a little Gatorade into whatever you are freezing. They have little packs of electrolytes for chickens water too. WATERMELON! My chickens LOVE watermelon! I've been freezing big chunks for them. Some other treats I've done with them is freeze fruit in muffin tins with some gatorade.
Hope that helps. As I said, I live in Texas so I know the struggle!