[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
As summer quickly approaches, you might be wondering the best way to keep your flock cool during hot summer months. Chickens are not very good at keeping themselves cool in extreme heat conditions. In fact, chickens are better at keeping themselves warm in winter than they are at keeping themselves cool in summer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit can increase risks of heat stress and heat-related illness. A more dangerous combination though is prolonged hot temperatures and high humidity.\u00a0<\/p>\n The degree of heat stress depends on a number of factors including, diet, breed, and living situations. If your chickens are a heavier breed, they can become overheated around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, lighter and small breeds do better in heat. Although, most chickens are uncomfortable in hot conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\n Chickens cannot sweat, which means they cannot cool themselves like other animals can. Chickens get rid of excess heat from their combs, wattles, feet, and beaks. Which means breeds who have larger combs and wattles can cool themselves more efficiently than breeds with small wattles and combs.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#7C0A09″ custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Chickens that are overheating usually pant, which means they breathe heavy through their open beaks and move their tongues up and down.\u00a0<\/p>\n Additional signs consist of:\u00a0<\/p>\n While all of these might sound a bit scary, if you take the right steps it is pretty easy to keep your flock cool during hot summer weather with minimal intervention.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/beta5.technodreamcenter.com\/chickencoopsdelivered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/backyard-chicken-2022-11-09-18-40-22-utc_480x480.webp” title_text=”backyard-chicken-2022-11-09-18-40-22-utc_480x480″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are a variety of easy ways to keep your flock cool during hot summer months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#7C0A09″ custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It is very important that your chickens have a shady place to go on hot days. If your chicken run area is mostly sunny, add a tarp to cover your chicken run.<\/p>\n The <\/span>Chicken Run Tarp<\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>is great for protecting your flock from weather conditions, including hot and cold protection. It is made with heavy-duty canvas, which ensures the ultimate protection for your flock against weather elements and predators.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/beta5.technodreamcenter.com\/chickencoopsdelivered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Joseph_Robinson_Customer_Photos_2_480x480.webp” title_text=”Joseph_Robinson_Customer_Photos_2_480x480″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#7C0A09″ custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On really hot days it is vital to provide cold, fresh water. Keep the\u00a0<\/span>waterer<\/a><\/span>\u00a0in a shady place. You can also add electrolytes to their water to help keep your flock hydrated. Some chicken owners like to add ice to their waterers, or throw frozen treats in the waterer, which include frozen vegetables and fruits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#7C0A09″ custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Feeding your flock the right treats is very important, especially during hot summer months. There are some treats that can actually increase a chicken’s body temperature. For example, many chicken owners question if chickens can eat corn in the summer. It is not a good idea to feed your flock corn or other high-carb treats during the summer, especially in high amounts.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dry cracked corn and scratch are very high-carb, which means they will warm your chickens up from the inside out as they work to digest them. So, it is important to cut back or avoid\u00a0chicken scratch in hot temperatures.\u00a0<\/p>\n A great alternative for high-carb chicken treats are cold, refreshing treats such as watermelon, frozen peas, or frozen strawberries. Fill a large bowl with water and frozen treats and freeze them overnight. Set the bowl out the next day so your flock can pick at it as it thaws. You should only feed your chickens treats in moderation, especially in hot weather because chickens are eating less in general.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#7C0A09″ custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In order for chickens to maintain their health, it is important that they continue to eat their usual feed. One way to make it more appetizing is freezing the feed for about an hour before giving it to your flock. Cold material in their crop lowers their body temperature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#7C0A09″ custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We recommend providing adequate ventilation inside the coop, especially when it is hot outside. Some customers have added fans to their coops\u00a0to help with ventilation. Only do this if it is safe and electricity is available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/beta5.technodreamcenter.com\/chickencoopsdelivered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Alana-Paxton-Customer-Photo_2_480x480.webp” title_text=”Alana-Paxton-Customer-Photo_2_480x480″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/beta5.technodreamcenter.com\/chickencoopsdelivered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/chicken-coop-ventilation-door480x480.jpg” title_text=”OverEZ-Chicken-Coop-Ventilation-Door_480x480″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHow Hot is Too Hot?<\/h2>\n
Signs of Heat Stress<\/h3>\n
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Ways to Keep Chickens Cool in the Summer<\/h2>\n
Provide Shade<\/h3>\n
Cold Fresh Water<\/h3>\n
Treats for Chickens in Summer<\/h3>\n
Freeze Chicken Feed<\/h3>\n
Ventilate the Chicken Coop<\/h3>\n