We’re having an unusually warm spell considering it’s May in the UK but while we’re revelling in the extra Vitamin D, what about caring for chickens in hot weather?
We can pop on sun hats, crack open a cold drink and savour an ice lolly, but we need to remember our feathered friends too when the sun makes an appearance. So, what can we do to keep them cool? You may laugh, but putting suncream on bald patches is genuinely an option… Yes, read on to find out more!
Any hen keeper knows chickens adore sunbathing, and if you’ve watched a newly adopted hen spread her wings out to soak up some rays for the first time, you’ll also know the joy that accompanies it.
However, too much of a good thing is possible, and our hens can easily overheat with all those feathers, so check out our top tips for looking after chickens in hot weather.
Signs of an overheating chicken
Hens are very good at hiding signs of distress, but there are ways to tell if she is in some discomfort due to the heat:
- Panting – believe it or not, hens will pant, somewhat like dogs, if they’re too hot
- Decreased appetite
- General lethargy
- Pale comb and / or wattles
Be aware though, most of those symptoms above could indicate other health issues, so always be aware of what’s normal for your hens and seek veterinary advice if you have concerns.
Now you know the signs of a hen overheating, what’s the best way to keep them cool?
Top tips for chickens in hot weather
Fresh, cool water
Just like us, hens appreciate a nice cold drink of water when the weather’s hot. You can always pop a few ice cubes in their drinker in the morning to keep it colder for longer, and make sure it’s placed in the shade. Check the water supply regularly and refresh it a few times a day if you’re able to.
Provide shady areas
Our hens love to sunbathe with outstretched wings, but they do appreciate the chance to cool off, especially in the midday sun. Make sure they have lots of shady areas to retreat to, such as underneath their hen house if this is raised, or under trees and bushes. You can always get creative and make shady areas with parasols or chairs and blankets.
Dust bathing
Chickens like to get ‘clean’ by having a dust bath, so make sure they’ve got a litter tray or some kind of basket filled with dry dirt / sand; alternatively, they’ll happily seek a spot in your flowerbeds given the chance!
Hen house ventilation
No-one likes sleeping when it’s hot and sticky, so make sure your hens’ coop has some ventilation. You can place mesh over pop holes instead of closing them to ensure predators cannot get in, but a cool breeze can.
Red mite
The two words no-one wants to hear! However, red mite is a fact of life, and, with some simple preventative measures, you can make sure these critters don’t get out of control as the temperature increases. See our red mite guide for a breakdown on how to tackle them.
Sun cream
Yep, really! If you’ve got some newly adopted members of the family sporting some bald patches, be aware that these can burn just like human skin. It’s therefore necessary to pop some sun cream on these patches to keep the skin protected.
Cool treats
Did you know some hen treats can increase their body temperature? High carb treats like corn have this effect when your hens try to digest them, so it’s best to avoid these during summer.
Other than that, enjoy summer with your feathered friends, and remember to send us in lots of lovely photos of them making the most of the sunshine. Nothing makes us happier than seeing free-range hens doing what they do best.
