During hot weather there some few simple little things that we do inexpensively to help keep our chickens healthy, happy, and comfortable during the hot weather.. The last thing that I want is for our chickens to suffer or get ill from heat exhaustion. That’s why learning how to keep your chickens cool in summer is so important for anyone who raises backyard chickens.
We live in an area where we are not only graced with hot temperatures during the summer, but we also have a lot of humidity. It can become very uncomfortable for not only human, but also our animals as well. The heats may be unbearable to our chicken if correct measure is not taking.
THESE ARE THE TIPS FOR KEEPING CHICKENS COOL DURING HOT WEATHER
1. Provide fresh cool water and change the water frequently, especially during exceptionally hot days.
2. Give your chickens some shade to hide out and stay cool. The shade will help the chickens to stay cool.
3.Ensure that the chicken coop/housing is well ventilated especially during hot weather
4. Avoid foods like corn, scratch grains or anything that is harder to digest during the hotter days. Since these types of foods are harder to digest, it creates more body heat for the chickens.
5. Provide frozen treats, such as, frozen water melon, grapes, or blueberries. I like to freeze cucumbers in these silicone muffin cups with water for a little summer time treat. These will helps the chickens to cool their temps.
6. Other frozen food ideas: freeze fruits, veggies, and a little bit of herbs with just a little amount of water in these silicone muffin cups. Then, I’ll chop it up a little to create a simple slushy treat.
7. Create a chicken piñata by using a head of iceberg lettuce (big on water content) and hang with some twice. It creates fun entertainment for the chickens, too!
8. Fill a kiddie pool with just a couple of inches of water for chickens to cool off in. Chickens can’t swim, so only a couple of inches is needed.
Most chickens don’t like the water, but there are a few of ours that enjoy the kid pool.
Remember, to much heat can make your chickens sick and it can lead to death.
