Hot Chicks: How to Keep Your Backyard Flock Cool When the Sun’s on Full Blast
Summer: the season of sun, sweat, and suspiciously judgmental stares from your chickens as they roast like feathery marshmallows in the backyard. While you’re sipping iced tea in the shade, your flock is out there wondering if this is how rotisserie begins. Fear not, fellow chicken tender (pun absolutely intended)—here’s your guide to keeping your birds cool, comfortable, and cluckin’ through the heatwave.
- Shade: Because Chickens Don’t Do Sunglasses
First things first—give your chickens some shady real estate. Whether it’s a tarp, a beach umbrella, or a chicken-sized cabana (we won’t judge), make sure they have a place to escape the sun. Bonus points if it comes with a tiny fan and a drink with a paper umbrella.
- Hydration Station
Water is life. And in summer, it’s also the difference between a happy hen and a heat-stroked heap of feathers. Keep water fresh, cool, and plentiful. Add ice cubes if you’re feeling fancy. Pro tip: Chickens love pecking at frozen fruits like watermelon or berries—hydration and entertainment in one chilly package.
- Dust Baths: The Chicken Spa Experience
Chickens don’t do bubble baths, but they do love a good dust bath. It helps them stay cool and keeps parasites at bay. Make sure they have a dry, shady spot to roll around like they’re auditioning for a poultry version of “Dirty Dancing.” Add a little diatomaceous earth into the favorite dusty spot for added parasite prevention.
- Ventilation: Coop or Sauna? Choose Wisely.
Your coop should be breezy, not broiling. Open windows, install vents, or go full DIY and add a solar-powered fan. Just don’t let it turn into a sweat lodge—unless your chickens are into that sort of thing (they’re probably not).
- Frozen Treats: Because Chickens Deserve Dessert Too
Freeze corn, peas, or chopped fruit in muffin tins with water and serve them up like gourmet popsicles. Your chickens will peck at them like they’re Michelin-starred meals. It’s enrichment, cooling, and a great way to feel like a five-star chicken chef. You can also cut a whole watermelon in half and freeze them. Chickens LOVE watermelon, and they love frozen watermelon even more!
- Schedule Adjustments: Siesta, Chicken Style
Let your flock free-range early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun isn’t trying to melt everything in sight. Midday is for lounging in the shade and plotting their next escape from the coop. Middays are meant for staying still in the shade.
- Watch for Signs of Heat Stress
If your chickens are panting, spreading their wings, or looking like they just ran a marathon, they might be overheating. Act fast—cool them down with water, shade, and a gentle reminder that they’re not actually firebirds.
Final Cluck
Summer’s no joke, especially when you’re covered in feathers and can’t order a cold brew. With a little planning, a lot of water, and maybe a few frozen snacks, your backyard chickens can stay cool, calm, and comfortably sassy all season long.