By Garrett Okrasinski
The past few days in the Northwest have been beautiful but unusually warm and dry and my chickens and I are adjusting to the summer weather. The warmth feels great but in the summer months it is important to keep your chickens cool, happy and healthy.
Recently when checked on my chickens mid-day, I saw a few with their mouths open. Initially I was concerned, but after looking into it most chickens do this because they are hot (However, if it is not warm and they are holding their mouths open it could be worms!). I would equate this to the same as dogs panting. Not being able to sweat chickens may also hold their wings away from themselves to cool down.
When I chose the location for the coop, I intentionally picked a place that is shady during the day but receives nice afternoon sun. However in the past few days, the evening sun has been shining intensely on the coop. I have had to make a few summer additions and change my routine a bit for them. When the sun is baking, I move them to their “play pen” or “chicken tractor” for an evening out. Their tractor is a simple a-frame that has been made of recycled and scrap materials from around the house. Not the prettiest but it works well to keep them entertained and cooler on hot evenings. They have also been doing a great job edging the yard!
Chicken play pen with “detachable” roof
In both the coop and the tractor, I keep an abundance of fresh water for them. Sometimes I even will go so far as to put ice-cubes in there. Chickens main way to cool themselves is to drink water. You may notice during warm weather that the chicken’s stool is looser. This is normal if they have been drinking a lot of water to cool themselves.
When the nighttime temperatures have warmed up, I put in an additional outdoor roost for them. I simply use a thick tree branch about three inches in diameter. This is in their secured coop area allowing them to sleep safe from predators and remain cool.
Young ladies sitting on their outdoor roost in 2014.
To cool and entertain my chickens, I treat them with frozen berries and grapes (I eat them too!). The berries are a favorite and keep them occupied.
What do you do to keep your hard working ladies cool in the warm summer?
I'd love to hear from you!