Help Your Hens Beat the Heat

When summer arrives, it’s not just humans who feel the effects of the sweltering sun. Chickens are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, which can impact their health, mood and egg production. Luckily, with a little planning and a few simple adjustments, you can help your hens stay cool, comfortable and happy throughout the hottest months.

Heat-Tolerant Breeds Make Life Easier

If you’re choosing your flock and you happen to live in a region where the temperatures soar, consider breeds known for their heat tolerance. These hens are better equipped to handle warm temperatures and will make your job much easier when you need to cool down the flock quickly.

• Leghorns: This breed is lightweight and can handle hot weather exceptionally well. Their smaller bodies help them stay cooler, and they tend to be efficient layers even during heat waves.
• Sebrights: This beautiful and hardy breed thrives in a variety of environments, including warm climates. Their small size, combined with their active nature, keeps them comfortable in the heat. They’re also stunning to look at!
• Sumatras: With their sleek, dark feathers and natural adaptability, Sumatras are good at navigating hot climates. Their strong independent streak often means they’ll seek out the coolest spots in the yard themselves.

Pale combs can indicate heat stress.

Heat Protection Tips

Keeping your chickens cool during the summer comes down to a combination of hydration, shelter and creativity. Here are practical steps you can take to help your flock beat the heat:

• Hydration is key: Chickens need constant access to fresh water in hot weather. A single hen can drink up to a pint of water daily during summer! Keep waterers clean, shaded and refill them frequently to avoid depletion. Adding electrolytes like Pedialyte to their water on especially hot days can help prevent dehydration and maintain egg production.
• Provide ample shade: Shade is a lifeline for chickens during extreme heat. Whether it’s dense trees and shrubs, a shade cloth on the west and north sides of the run or even a tarp, ensure your hens have a cool place to rest. You can even dampen shaded patches of dirt or sand where chickens can scratch and stay cool.
• Create dust bathing areas: Dust baths don’t just keep chickens happy; they’re a cooling strategy during hot weather. Make sure their dust bath area is covered to protect it from the sun and rain. A baby pool is a great addition to the coop, and you can add dirt and wood ash for them to roll around in.
• Try frozen snacks: Frozen fruits and veggies are a treat your hens will love when the temperature rises. Katrina Jean-Laflamme, co-founder of UKKÖ Robotics and chicken farmer said that frozen treats are her secret tip, “Freeze their favorite snacks like chunks of watermelon, berries or ears of corn. It’s hydrating and gives them something fun to peck at. Some farmers even blend veggie and herb ‘popsicles’ for their chickens.”
• Encourage airflow in the coop: Tina Hines, owner of Cluck It All Farms, shares that if there’s no airflow in the coop, you’re baking your birds. “Ridge vents, screened windows and predator-safe fans can make a world of difference.” Ventilation is a vital but straightforward way to prevent overheating, especially in stationary coops.
• Use reflective roofing and mobile setups: Jean-Laflamme also recommends installing reflective or light-colored roofing materials to deflect heat. Mobile coops, which can be moved to new shaded areas each day, are particularly effective for reducing heat stress and disease.
• Light misting, not drenching: A gentle mist around the chicken run can help cool the area without stressing your birds. Just make sure excess water doesn’t pool or create muddy conditions.

Low Stress Means Happy Hens

Both farmers and backyard flock owners agree that reducing stress in the summer keeps hens healthier and laying consistently. Jean-Laflamme shares, “Overcrowding is a big heat stress trigger. Giving birds more room, whether through mobile runs or spacious coops, prevents heat buildup and helps them stay relaxed.”

Hines adds that keeping older and heavier breeds hydrated and cool is particularly important. “Electrolytes in the water during heatwaves are a smart move, especially for birds that can’t handle extreme heat as well.”

When the summer sun is blazing, try offering frozen treats, planting shade trees and upgrading ventilation now, so you and your flock can coast through the season with fewer worries.

Keep an eye on your chickens for signs of heat stress, such as panting, drooping wings or lethargy. Acting quickly is key; noticing these signs early allows you to intervene and keep your birds comfortable and healthy throughout the summer.