Is your coop prepared for the scorching summer heat?

As the temperatures rise, we must take into consideration the safety of our pets, and this too includes our feathered friends. While we have the luxury of air conditioning our hens unfortunately do not, so therefore we must find other ways to accommodate their needs and keep them happy, healthy, cool, and laying lots of eggs this summer.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your hens from the sun’s intense rays is by providing them shade. Ensure that your coop and surrounding area have shaded spots where chickens can retreat during the hottest parts of the day. Growing trees to provide shade is the best way to offer natural shade, but you can always provide them with an umbrella, lean-to, shelter, or shade awning to reduce the temperature within the coop significantly.

Chickens, like many birds, enjoy a good dust bath. During especially hot weather it is a good idea to wet down the dust bath area, so that you can provide your feathered friends with a cool spot to relax. As the damp soil will help cool their bodies and provide a refreshing respite from the heat.

Just like every other animal, chickens need plenty of water to stay cool and hydrated. So, ensure you provide them with a constant supply of fresh, cool water at all times. You should consider adding Vetsense AviLyte to their water to help replenish essential nutrients lost through sweating and panting. This can prove to be vital to their health during the hottest days to prevent dehydration.

If you are looking for a fun and practical way to cool down your chickens from the inside out, providing them with frozen treats is a great way to do so. Not only will it help cool them down, but it will provide them with a delicious treat. Freeze fruits, vegetables, or even a mix of grains in a block of ice. This not only serves as a fun and interactive treat for but also helps lower their body temperature as they peck away at the frozen treat. You can even try our own recipe, make a blend of seed, frozen peas and corn and soldier flies.

While chickens thrive on routine it is important to consider altering your feeding schedule to avoid the hottest part of the day. Aim to feed them during the cooler parts of the mornings or evenings to prevent them from generating additional body heat, as digestion warms them up.

As the temperatures soar, the responsibility to keep our feathery companions cool, happy, and healthy relies on us as their owners. By implementing these simple yet effective strategies, you can ensure that your chickens breeze through the summer heat with ease.