Keeping Chickens Cool in the Summer

August 5, 2024

Chicken Panting in the Heat Drinking Water

August 6, 2024

Keeping Chickens Cool in the Summer

Most chicken breeds are better suited for cold weather than for enjoying the dog days of summer. They don't really have sweat glands like humans do. Instead, they use their combs, wattles, and feet to regulate their temperature. But they're also wearing the equivalent of a down jacket, so chickens can overheat at much lower temperatures than humans.

Once the temperatures hit around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll want to pay a little extra attention to your flock to make sure they're acclimating well. When the temperatures get hot, your chickens are much less active. You may notice they stand with their wings a little bit spread out from their body, their heads hung over. When it is very hot, they may start to pant. When you see this behavior, you'll want to help them cool off quickly.

But that doesn't mean you need to install air conditioners in your chicken coop! In fact the shock from this may even cause more harm than good. There are plenty of ways to help your chickens stay cool throughout the warm summer months.

Choose a Heat-Hardy Breed

Some breeds can tolerate heat better than others. Rhode Island Reds, Orpingtons, Barred Plymouth Rocks, and Easter Eggers are great beginner breeds that lay plenty of eggs and tolerate the heat relatively well.

Provide Plenty of Shade

Just like people, chickens need a place to get out of the sun. And if your chickens aren't free-range, you'll want to make sure they have a cool area in their run that they can rest in if they need it. My chicken coop and pen have lots of shade trees for sun protection, but if you don't have natural shade, you'll want to add some.

There are plenty of ways to add shade. If you don't have the space for trees, you might plant some perennial bushes. Berry bushes are a great source of shade and treats for your hens!

An old patio umbrella can be added to your run to create a shady area – your chickens won't mind if it's old and faded, as long as it gives them a shady space!

You could also stretch a tarp or a piece of agricultural shade cloth over the top of your run to create shade – just make sure there is plenty of airflow beneath it.
In a pinch, you could even use an old rug or sheet to create a chicken lean-to over the edge of your fence just to give them a little relief from the hot sun.

Offer Plenty of Fresh, Cool Water

A full-grown hen can drink up to two pints of water on a hot day, so make sure you have plenty of fresh, cool water available. If possible, keep the water source in the shade so it doesn't get hot, and consider replacing the water throughout the day if it gets warm.

Cool water is critical during hot weather. Be careful not to overuse ice in your chicken's water, however, because you don't want to shock your flock with abrupt temperature changes!

Adding a stress-reducing supplement in your water like Avaplex® is essential to keep your flock fully hydrated, healthy, and stress free despite the extreme temperatures. This easy step can likely be the difference between a normally functioning flock and hens in distress!

Give Your Chickens Access to Dirt

A dirt bath – especially in the shade – can really help your chickens cool off. You might even find them digging down into the dirt and laying in the cool dampness of the ground. Grass and dirt are much easier on their feet in the hot summers. Sidewalks, asphalt, and even gravel can get hot enough to burn, so make sure they have a place that's easy on their feet.

Make Sure the Chicken Coop is Well-Ventilated

Chickens don't usually like to be in a direct draft, but a well-ventilated coop is essential when the weather is hot and humid. If your coop is safe from predators, you might want to leave the doors wide open during the day or even install some kind of screen door to promote airflow. Otherwise, the ammonia can really build up in the summer and cause breathing problems for your hens. (Pro tip for those non-scorching days: Adding Nutriplex-W™ in their drinking water helps reduce their fecal ammonia, which can improve the coop environment and respiratory health.)

You might want to consider installing fans for extra airflow. You don't need to blow them directly at your chickens' roosts; instead, angle them to blow the hot air out of the coop. Solar-powered fans can be a big help if you don't have electricity in your coop.