Chickens are able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from below-freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, high temperatures and humidity can cause chickens to become stressed and may even be fatal if proper precautions are not taken.
Extreme heat can be particularly challenging for chickens, as they are nearly completely covered with feathers and do not have the ability to sweat as humans do.
In this article, we will go through some tips to help keep your chickens cool during those hot summer months!
1. Provide Shade Over the Coop and Run
Chickens need access to shade during the hottest part of the day. If your chickens are free-ranging, make sure there are trees or other structures that provide shade.
If your chickens are in a coop or run, consider adding shade cloth or other shade structures to help keep them cool.
The simplest method I’ve found is to just buy a tarp and place it on the roof. You can tie it down with wire, string, or rope. It’s crucial to puncture holes in the tarp if you choose to use one, allowing for proper water drainage. Otherwise, you may find yourself climbing on top of the chicken pen at a later time.
If you’re just considering building your coop and run, it’s advisable to position them in proximity to shade trees. However, refrain from incorporating the trees as part of your coop structure, as predators can climb them and potentially gain access to the top of your coop. It’s best to keep trees at least 10 feet away from your coop. If you do consider shade trees near your chickens, always have a roof on your coop!
I’ve written an entire article on the advantages of a chicken coop having a roof. Check out that article if you’ve got some time!
2. Provide Plenty of Water
Chickens need access to clean, cool water at all times, but this is especially important during hot weather. Make sure your chickens’ waterers are refilled regularly and are kept in a shaded area to prevent the water from getting too warm.
Chickens not only need cool water to drink, but they also stand in it to cool down. As the water evaporates from their skin, it cools down the blood vessels in their feet and legs, which, in turn, helps cool their entire body.
3. Provide a Dust Bath
Dust bathing helps chickens regulate their body temperature and keep their feathers clean.
As they fluff their feathers and expose their skin to the dry soil, the dust absorbs moisture and excess oil from their bodies, creating a cooling effect.
Ensure your chickens have access to a dust bath area filled with sand, dirt, or wood ash. Usually, your chickens will dig holes on their own in their pen and throw dirt on themselves, so as long as your ground isn’t too tough or rocky, this shouldn’t be too hard to accomplish.
Wood ash is also excellent for keeping mites at bay on your chickens. If you’re struggling with mites, wood ash may save two birds with one stone! To see more methods to keeping mites at bay check out my guide on the 10 effective methods to eliminate chicken mites!
4. Consider Providing Cooling Treats
Frozen fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon or cucumbers, can help cool chickens down and provide them with hydration.
If you have some leftover fruit or vegetables in your refrigerator, this would go a long way to help cool them down as well. The snacks don’t have to be frozen – just cool.
Also, make sure not to overdo it on the snacks, as too much fruit can upset their digestive system.
Not sure what all treats are good for chickens? Check out my Chicken Treat Guide!
5. Increase Airflow
Good ventilation is important year-round, but it is essential during hot weather. Make sure your coop has windows or vents that can be opened to allow for airflow.
If your coop is boxed in quite well to keep predators out, it’s best to make sure they have free-range access or a nice spacious run to stretch their legs out.
Most chicken coops are built with chicken wire or hardware cloth. Both of these are suitable to allow for efficient airflow for your run.
6. Consider Using Fans
Ever go to the county fair animal section and see those giant fans set up all around the buildings? Well, there’s a good reason for that!
It can be a really hot day, but as long as there’s a good breeze blowing, it sure does make things a lot better. If we don’t have a breeze, let’s just create our own!
If you’ve accomplished the “Increase Airflow” section above but have no breeze, a fan can help circulate air and keep chickens cool. Just ensure the fan is placed in a safe location where the chickens cannot come into contact with it. Generally, you can keep it right outside your chicken wire blowing air into your chicken run.
7. Use Ice
Ice can be used in several ways to keep your chickens cool.
Firstly, and probably the most obvious, you can add your ice to your chickens’ water. This ensures that the water remains cooler for a longer duration, especially if you won’t be available to change the water within the next few hours.
Secondly, you can place ice behind your fans that are cooling down your pen. This will create a nice little arctic breeze for your chickens instead of just blowing in hot air on them.
Conclusion
Chickens are hardy birds that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but extreme heat can be challenging for them.
By following these tips and being attentive to your chickens’ needs during hot weather, you can help ensure that your feathered friends stay healthy and happy during those hot summer months!
If you remain skeptical and live in an exceptionally warm climate, it might be worth considering specific chicken breeds. Certain breeds are known to thrive better in warmer climates. I’ve written an article for you here: “The Top 5 Chicken Breeds for Hot Weather“.