Heat can kill your chickens. Fast. They should always have an area that will offer them some shade. When they get too hot, you will notice them panting and walking with their wings outstretched. They are telling you they are uncomfortable. Make sure you always have lots of cool water for them to drink. You can even throw a couple of ice cubes in the waterer, too!
Mine have plenty of shade under the trees. However, I sill make water puddles in the run for them so they can cool their skinny tootsies off. Lucy loves the mud (but not the rain) and just shakes off the mud when it dries.
Since I am retired, I have all day to keep an eye on them. If you are working or will be gone for the day, you can always freeze some milk containers or those freeze packs the night before and place them around where you keep your girls. When they get hot, they will sit down next to the containers and cool off. You can also put some in the coop.
It doesn't take a lot of time to do and your chickens will be much happier and healthier!
"freeze some milk containers or those freeze packs the night before and place them around where you keep your girls"
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip. One of my girls was really panting in the nesting box yesterday. Really warm in the house because of the humidity and heat here in Minnesota.
Glad you found the tip useful, Dave! My older ones really slow down when it is too hot. If your coop has windows, you can always cut hole in the opposite wall and install a screened vent for some cross ventilation - just cover it on the outside with plastic in the winter. Thanks for stopping by and please visit often!
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