In summer, it is obvious that the temperatures rise and we all become uncomfortable, especially animals outside like chickens. It is pertinent to distinguish between hot and unbearably hot temperatures. Heat stress can affect chickens as well as people, but unlike us, they cannot get under the aircon to escape the heat! Therefore, it's crucial to monitor your chickens for indications of heat stress, as well as prevent overheating by keeping them cool!
When chickens get very hot, they lift their wings away from their bodies. Because chickens don't have sweat glands, they raise their wings when they are slightly warm, allowing air to cool the skin beneath them. But this is not a major sign of heat stress. You may need to take action if they hold their wings away from their bodies while experiencing some of these symptoms.
When you see the above symptoms, you will need to act fast!
Feel her wattles and comb a few minutes later. You can remove her from the water when the temperatures are back to normal. You should allow her to rejoin the flock as soon as possible to prevent further stress. Please keep in mind that your hands may be cool from the water. Therefore, you can use the inside of your arm or even your cheek to feel her temperature.
Eat cool scrambled eggs or mealworms that are low in carbohydrates & high in fat. Make sure the chicken has fresh, cool water at all times. To give them a bit of help while recovering you can add electrolyte powder. In the absence of electrolyte powder, you can use watered-down Gatorade or Pedialyte.
If possible, provide a fan for the flock to help cool them down. It may not be long before the others follow as well if one chicken starts experiencing heat stress! Motivate the flock to eat and drink by offering frozen treats, like fruit & cold water.
Cool down the coop. A fan added to the coop at dusk will allow for some cooling air before the chickens roost at night. Secure the fan so it won't fall over and is out of their reach!
Despite laying thin-shelled eggs in the ensuing weeks, chickens usually recover from heat stress quickly. You can prevent this by providing them with calcium supplements. It's a good idea to place crushed eggshells next to the feeder.
You should be able to power through the summer without any issues with your chickens. They should do just fine as long as they've got access to lots of shade & water!
What's heat stress in chickens?
Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to cool itself sufficiently to maintain a normal temperature. When high temperatures combine with low airspeed, heat stress is created. It is usually a hot, still day, but it can occur if they spend an extended period of time in direct sunlight.How to prevent heat stress in chickens
- Ensure that there is plenty of shade and other places to cool off.
- Be sure that the coop is adequately ventilated, and that all of the doors & windows are open to let any breeze in.
- Ensure they have access to several sources of cool water and refill as often as possible.
- Chickens will enjoy cold or frozen snacks/treats.
- The use of a kiddie pool or misting hose can keep them cool.
- Provide a shady area for dust bathing.
- By spraying cool water on hot areas, such as a dry run, you can cool them off.
- At night, allow them plenty of roosting space to spread out in order to prevent overheating.
How to identify heat stress in chickens
Suppose you have done all of the above, but the temperatures become very high & you suspect your chickens may be suffering from heat stress. Here are some signs to watch for:When chickens get very hot, they lift their wings away from their bodies. Because chickens don't have sweat glands, they raise their wings when they are slightly warm, allowing air to cool the skin beneath them. But this is not a major sign of heat stress. You may need to take action if they hold their wings away from their bodies while experiencing some of these symptoms.
- Panting. Chickens pant only when they feel hot, so this might be a sign that they're overheating.
- Their comb & wattles feel very warm'
- Loss of appetite.
- Lethargy. Sluggishness.
- Standing with eyes closed.
- Stumbling may occur when walking.
- Wings & feet may be extended as they lay down flat.
- Watery poop due to increased water consumption.
- A decrease in the production of eggs production.
When you see the above symptoms, you will need to act fast!
Treatment of chickens suffering from heat stress
It will be important to quickly cool the affected chicken down, and you can do so by wetting her down with cool or tepid water. The water shouldn't be cold. You do not want to shock the chicken. You can put the chicken in a bucket or even a tub of water and hold her so that the water can get under her wings, along her belly, and across her back. Avoid submerging her head.Feel her wattles and comb a few minutes later. You can remove her from the water when the temperatures are back to normal. You should allow her to rejoin the flock as soon as possible to prevent further stress. Please keep in mind that your hands may be cool from the water. Therefore, you can use the inside of your arm or even your cheek to feel her temperature.
Eat cool scrambled eggs or mealworms that are low in carbohydrates & high in fat. Make sure the chicken has fresh, cool water at all times. To give them a bit of help while recovering you can add electrolyte powder. In the absence of electrolyte powder, you can use watered-down Gatorade or Pedialyte.
If possible, provide a fan for the flock to help cool them down. It may not be long before the others follow as well if one chicken starts experiencing heat stress! Motivate the flock to eat and drink by offering frozen treats, like fruit & cold water.
Cool down the coop. A fan added to the coop at dusk will allow for some cooling air before the chickens roost at night. Secure the fan so it won't fall over and is out of their reach!
Despite laying thin-shelled eggs in the ensuing weeks, chickens usually recover from heat stress quickly. You can prevent this by providing them with calcium supplements. It's a good idea to place crushed eggshells next to the feeder.
You should be able to power through the summer without any issues with your chickens. They should do just fine as long as they've got access to lots of shade & water!
