Anyone have tips for how to cool chickens off?

[Themellowyellows]

Hi! My hens make eggs almost every day, and the heat this summer is cra-cra! My hens are panting so frequently it makes me worried... Does anyone have tips for cooling them off while laying, and in general? I know fans, cold treats, ice, cold water, and soaking them in cold water, but anything else? Appreciate it!

 

[paradisepentacoop]

Provide them with as much shade as you can. I am personally trying to grow my shade since I find plants both lovely.

 

[Hungry Chicken]

With or without fans make sure they have proper ventilation. In the nesting box it’s definitely hotter and most of them are enclosed so if you have a fan I’d put it in there. And as the post above says shade is great. If you don’t have plants or the chickens eat them all, you can put a tarp or something on the coop for shade. And they’ll love some sweet, juicy watermelon too!

 

[Themellowyellows]

Thank you!

 

[Sally PB]

I often dump water on the ground in the run at lock up. It soaks into the dirt overnight. By the next day, it is a nice damp spot for dust bathing. The dampness makes it cooler.

 

[aart]

soaking them in cold water

NOT a good idea, the shock could kill them.

I've found electrolytes to be very helpful.
Here's some tips:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-extreme-weather-spiel.75893/

cooling them off while laying

Do you mean while they are in the nest actually laying?
Pics of your cop and nests would help here.
Also...
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Their feathers insulate but not if they get wet. Freshen their water throughout the day, they won't drink as much if it's hot. We put ice in our water buckets in the form of frozen water bottles. Panting is also nature's way of cooling.

 

[Themellowyellows]

NOT a good idea, the shock could kill them.

I've found electrolytes to be very helpful.
Here's some tips:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-extreme-weather-spiel.75893/


Do you mean while they are in the nest actually laying?
Pics of your cop and nests would help here.
Also...
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3897763

New Jersy.

Yes while they are nesting.


Ill get the pics tomorrow as it is night.


I only dump there feet in, I should have been more specific.

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

Hi! My hens make eggs almost every day, and the heat this summer is cra-cra! My hens are panting so frequently it makes me worried... Does anyone have tips for cooling them off while laying, and in general? I know fans, cold treats, ice, cold water, and soaking them in cold water, but anything else? Appreciate it!

Freeze strawberries and blueberries. A big block of ice with fruit in it is perfect on a hot day.

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

I mist rhe run early in the morning when they are just coming out. Unless i know its suppose to rain like today.
Change their water 2 times a day with cool water and add electrolytes if its super hot.
I also have a dog crate bottom, i use the crate for the chickens and dont use the bottom often. So i fill that with water and they can stand in it.
Fans help alot.