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Poulty and Hot Weather

January 23, 2025 4 min read

Poultry and Hot Weather

With a bout of hot weather coming our way, it's time to look after your flock. The following information is from The Good Life Backyard and is timely reminder to check on our feathered friends.

Did you know chickens can’t sweat?

Yes, that's right! Chickens don't have sweat glands like humans do, so they rely on other methods to keep cool. Their combs and wattles, being highly vascularized areas, help them release heat. On hot days, chickens may also open their beaks and breathe more rapidly to help with cooling, a process calledpanting. Their feet also play a role in heat dissipation by releasing some heat as they stand on cooler surfaces.

Keeping chickens cool during hot weather is really important to prevent heat stress and related issues. Providing plenty of shade, fresh water, and ventilation can help significantly. Additionally, offering cool treats like chilled fruits or frozen veggies can be a great way to help them beat the heat.

Heat stress can be very harmful to chickens, so it's important to recognize these symptoms early. Here's a bit more on how to manage these issues:

  • Wings away from body: When chickens spread their wings, it's a sign they're trying to release heat from their bodies. This posture indicates they're getting too hot.
  • Panting and gasping: Just like with other animals, panting is how chickens try to cool down. If it becomes excessive, it's a clear sign they're struggling with heat.
  • Increased thirst: As they lose fluids through panting, chickens will drink more to compensate for dehydration.
  • Lethargy and floppiness: When chickens feel heat stress, they often become weak and less active. Their usual energy may decrease as they try to conserve body heat.
  • Pale or discolored combs and wattles: Heat stress can affect blood flow and oxygen levels, leading to a pale or blueish color in these areas.
  • Decrease in egg production: Prolonged heat exposure can disrupt the normal laying cycle. Hens may stop laying eggs entirely or reduce the frequency of laying.

To help prevent heat stress, ensure your chickens always have access to fresh, cool water, provide shade, and avoid overcrowding. You could also try using fans or misters in the coop to improve airflow and keep the area cooler.

Quick action can make a huge difference when it comes to heat stress. Here are some steps you can take to help cool your chickens down effectively:

  1. Move to a cool, shaded area: If possible, relocate your chickens to a spot with plenty of shade or even indoors where they can avoid direct sunlight. A well-ventilated area is key.
  2. Offer cool water: Ensure that they have access to plenty of fresh, cool water at all times. You can even add ice cubes to their water containers to help keep it cool longer.
  3. Mist their feathers: Lightly misting their feathers with cool water can help lower their body temperature. Be sure not to drench them completely, as wet feathers can trap heat, but a light mist can help them cool off.
  4. Provide cooling treats: Offer cooling treats like chilled cucumber slices, watermelon, or frozen fruits. This helps both hydrate them and provides some relief from the heat.
  5. Ventilate their space: If they’re still in the coop, ensure the space is well-ventilated. You could use fans to keep the air moving and help cool them down.

Taking these actions can prevent serious heat-related health issues and help your chickens stay comfortable through hot spells. Keep an eye on them, and if the signs of heat stress don’t improve quickly, you may need to consult a vet for further advice.

Hydration Is Key

 Hydration is absolutely essential in hot weather, and ensuring your chickens stay well-hydrated can prevent a range of heat-related health issues.

  1. Multiple water stations: It's a good idea to place several water containers around your chicken's living area, especially in shaded spots. This ensures that all chickens can easily access water and reduces the chance of one waterer getting overcrowded.
  2. Electrolytesor apple cider vinegar: Adding electrolytes to the water helps replenish salts and minerals lost through panting and heat stress. Apple cider vinegar can help improve digestion and balance the pH in their system, which also aids in hydration. Just be sure to use small amounts—around 1 teaspoon to one litre of water is usually enough.
  3. Refill drinkers frequently: Water can warm up or evaporate quickly in the heat, so be sure to check and refill water containers multiple times a day. Having fresh, cool water available at all times is key to keeping your chickens comfortable and hydrated.
  4. Frozen water bottles: Freezing small bottles of water and placing them in the drinkers is a clever way to keep the water cooler for longer. As the ice melts, it keeps the water refreshing, which encourages the chickens to drink more.

By staying on top of hydration and using these strategies, you can help your chickens stay healthy and comfortable throughout the summer months.


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