How to Keep Chickens Cool in the Summer

We’re in the middle of a heat wave this week in South Fork, Pennsylvania. While many of us can retreat into our air-conditioned homes to stay cool, backyard poultry don’t have that same luxury.

Did you know chickens are far more likely to die from heat stress than cold stress? Most chickens are built to withstand cold temperatures with their dense feathering, but this natural insulation makes them poorly adapted to heat. They have limited ability to cool down on their own without human intervention—as a poultry keeper, it’s important to know when it’s time to step in.


Breeds that are particularly sensitive to heat include Buff Orpington chickens, Brahmas, and Wyandottes. Their thick feathers and heavy bodies make them exceptionally cold hardy. However, this protection becomes a liability when temperatures rise.

Heat tolerant breeds like Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns may be less susceptible to heat stress, but even heat tolerant chickens can succumb to extreme weather if not given enough ways to stay cool.

So, how do you keep chickens cool in extreme heat? Thankfully, it’s actually fairly simple and inexpensive to keep your chickens cool, and many of the items you need are staples you might already have on hand. We’ll cover how to keep chickens cool in heat, as well as common signs of heat stress in chickens.

1.     Make Sure Your Coop is Well-Ventilated

One of the best ways to keep chickens cool is to start is with your coop. Since your chickens spend a fair bit of time in the coop sleeping and nesting, it’s important to make sure it is safe, comfortable, and well-equipped for rising temperatures.

Proper airflow is a great defense against heat stress. In the summer months, chickens and heat stress go hand in hand. The stress on your flock can be greatly reduced with a properly ventilated chicken coop.


We’ve previously discussed the importance of proper ventilation in our winter coop blog, but it’s just as important (if not more so) in the summer.

Take stock of your setup and ensure your coop has the following:
 

• Make sure your coop has windows that can be opened to increase airflow. To keep your birds safe from predators, cover windows with hardware cloth.
• Ensure your coop has ventilation placed high on the walls, rather than down low. This allows hot air to rise and escape, while new air can circulate in.
• Install a solar powered coop fan to keep fresh air flowing. This also helps with reducing ammonia buildup and hot, stagnant air.

2.     Create Shaded Areas in the Coop and Run

When the temperatures rise, your chickens should always have access to plenty of shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. This can be as simple as throwing a tarp or bedsheet over part of your chicken run. This will allow them to enjoy time outside without being in direct sunlight.


If free-ranging your birds, encourage them to stay in shaded areas by providing cool water and fresh treats in those spots. Pergolas, trees, and covered patios can be a nice spot for them to cool down.

3.     Provide Areas to Dust Bathe

Dust bathing is a natural way for chickens to remove mites and lice, but it’s not just for pest control. Dust bathing is also a great way for chickens to stay cool.

How does it work? Because chickens don’t sweat, a dust bath helps them absorb excess oil and moisture on their feathers. In extreme temperatures, the oil glands can trap heat and raise their body temperature to unsafe levels. A good dust bath will provide instant relief.

You can provide multiple areas for them to dust bathe in the shade, or even dig up some fresh dirt in your yard for them to roll around in. The deeper the soil, the cooler the temperatures will be.

4.     Feed at Scheduled Times and Reduce High-Protein Treats

Hens will naturally consume less food when they are facing heat stress. That’s because chickens generate body heat as they digest meals, especially when it is protein-rich food. It’s a natural defense mechanism for them to reduce body temperature and conserve energy. For that reason, it’s best to limit high protein treats like soldier fly larvae during a heat wave.

To avoid raising their body temperature, only offer their complete layer feed in the early morning hours or late evenings when it is cooler. Throughout the day, you can replace their feed with water-rich treats to keep them satiated and well-hydrated until the next feeding.

5.     Provide Cool Water at all Times

Water is an absolute must for your chickens during a heat wave. You should offer it in multiple areas, and check it regularly throughout the day to ensure it is still cool and plentiful.

You can keep your water cooler for longer by keeping it in a shaded area of your run, or adding large ice blocks to prolong its cool temperature. If the water is becoming warm or dirty, chickens are less likely to hydrate properly.


Electrolytes for chickens can be a good boost for your flock in hot temperatures. We recommend electrolytes for new poultry, but they are just as great for established birds, especially when it comes to heat or stressful conditions. StresEEZ is our favorite supplement to add to water when the temperatures rise and feed consumption is down.

6.     Set Up a Kiddie Pool or Sprinkler

Chickens are not natural born swimmers like ducks, but providing them with cool water for recreation can be a great way to help them regulate their body temperature.

A kiddie pool or shallow tub with two inches of water lets them dip their feet and lower their body temperature safely. Chickens actually release heat from their feet, so this is a surefire way to cool them down instantly.

Because they are not strong swimmers, be sure to observe your chickens at first to ensure they can get in and out of the pool safely on their own. If you aren’t able to set up a pool, you can also consider placing a sprinkler or misting device near the run to help them cool off.

7.     Frozen Treats and Hydrating Foods

Frozen fruits and vegetables are a great treat for chickens in the heat. It not only helps the treats last longer, but the ice will help keep them cool and provide additional enrichment as they forage. We recommend freezing berries, cucumber, and apples to give them a cool, tasty treat.

Another great treat to provide is fresh cut watermelon. Watermelons are 92% water, so this adds great hydration and something for them to peck on throughout the day. You can cut the watermelon in half and place them in your run so your chickens can free feed.

Keep in mind that treats and supplemental food items should only make up about 10% of their diet. Ensure that they are still getting all the appropriate nutrients from their complete layer feed.

8.     Place Frozen Bottles in the Coop and Run

Chickens tend to lie down and keep their bodies close to the ground during peak heat of the day. To provide more cool areas in the coop and run, you can place frozen water bottles or ice packs wrapped in a bath towel.

Nesting boxes in particular can become hot and stuffy quickly. To encourage egg production, place water bottles in the nesting area to give them a comfortable place to lay eggs.

Depending on your local climate conditions, these items will likely need to be rotated and replaced frequently throughout the day, so be sure to check on them regularly.

Why Are Chickens So Susceptible to Heat?

Chickens are ill-equipped to handle high temperatures without human intervention. That’s because they already run hot—a chicken’s internal body temperature sits between 105-107 degrees, while a healthy human will be at 98.6 degrees.


With an internal temperature that is already high, they can’t handle extreme temperatures or drastic fluctuations in weather the same way humans can.

Signs of Heat Stress in Chickens

Not sure if your chickens are too hot? There are several behaviors your chickens will exhibit if they need to cool down. Watch out for the following and step in when necessary.
 

• Panting: Much like dogs, chickens will pant when they are hot, as they do not have the ability to dissipate heat via sweating. If your chickens are running around with their mouth open, that’s a big indication that you need to do more to help them cool off.
• Wings drooping or held out from their sides: Chickens will hold out their wings in order to increase airflow and reduce their body temperature. If you see this, your chickens need to be cooled down.
• Lethargic or inactive: While it’s likely that your chickens will be less active in the heat overall, extreme lethargy is a cause for concern. Get your chicken to a cooler place immediately until they start to perk up.
• Pale combs and wattles: Pale combs and wattles are a sign of reduced blood flow to the extremities, which is a strong indicator of heat stress. Cool off your chickens with a mister and encourage them to stay in the shade.
• Reduced egg production: Chickens facing extreme heat stress will likely be laying less eggs. If you notice egg production has taken a sharp decline, make sure they are getting enough nutrition and ensure the nesting boxes are cool and comfortable.

 

Stay Cool with Hot Tips from Myers Poultry

Chickens rely on their keepers to help them stay safe during extreme weather. With a few small adjustments to your everyday chicken routine—like shifting feeding times, checking water more frequently, and providing plenty of access to shade—you can dramatically reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

We hope these tips have helped you learn how to keep chickens cool in hot weather. If you notice your chickens are still having issues, we are here to help. Contact us for tips on updating your coop for the summer, or ask our friendly team for poultry supplement recommendations for your flock.