Keeping chickens cool in the summer is an ongoing task here in Phoenix, Arizona. Our temperatures have been close to 120 degrees in the last week, and as you can imagine, keeping chickens cool in desert heat can be a challenge.
But after years of keeping a backyard flock in extreme summer temperatures, I can honestly say we have never lost one of our hens to the heat.
These ideas are not complicated, but they are helpful on those hot summer days when your chickens need a little extra care. With fresh water, shade, airflow, and a few simple cooling tricks, you can help your flock stay safer and more comfortable through the worst of the summer heat.
How to Keep Chickens Cool in the Summer
Keep Fresh Water Available at All Times
Your number one defense against heat-related problems is cool, fresh water. During the warm months, check your chickens’ water at least twice a day and refill it as needed.
It also helps to keep their water in a shaded area so it does not heat up too much during the day. If you have a larger flock, or if your chickens free range, you may want to add extra waterers around the yard so they always have easy access to water.
Keep the Coop Well Ventilated
Good airflow is key to keeping chickens comfortable when they are laying, resting, or getting out of the sun. Make sure your coop has plenty of ventilation so hot air is not trapped inside.
It is also important to give your chickens enough space. None of us would want to be crowded into a small, stuffy area when the temperatures are rising, and chickens do not enjoy that either.
You probably do not need to add air conditioning to your coop, but a fan can make a big difference with airflow and comfort. Just make sure any fan or cord is safely placed where your chickens cannot peck at it or knock it over.
Also consider having a Coop thermometer.
Let Them Free Range If You Can
If you are able to let your chickens free range safely, I highly recommend it during hot weather. Chickens are very good at finding the coolest spots in the yard.
Mine like to dig down under a shade tree or rest in a grassy area. They also love the side of the house near the hose spigot where the ground stays a little cooler.
Believe me, your chickens know how to find the best places to cool off.
Create More Shade
If you do not have a lot of natural shade, you will need to create some. Shade is one of the simplest and most important ways to help keep chickens cool in the summer.
You can add shade to the coop, run, or yard with tarps, patio umbrellas, shade sails, or other covers. I personally prefer using something that blocks the sun well, especially during extreme desert heat.
The goal is to give your flock a cooler place to rest during the hottest part of the day.
Use Misters During the Hottest Part of the Day
Misters have been one of the most helpful tools for keeping chickens cool on our little homestead. Since my girls free range, I usually set the mister in a shaded area with a little grass.
I do not leave it running all day. A few hours during the hottest part of the afternoon is usually enough for us.
You do not need an expensive misting system either. We use a flexible standing mister, and it has been invaluable during our Phoenix summers.
Just watch the drips and runoff. Misters can make certain areas muddy fast, so you may need to move them around or keep them away from places that do not drain well.
Offer Frozen Treats
Frozen treats are one of my chickens’ favorite ways to cool off. We save cut-up melon rinds in a freezer bag and put a few out during the day for the hens to peck at.
You can also make easy chicken “popsicles” by using a round cake pan. Add a few treats like berries, herbs, or chopped fruit, then fill the pan with water and freeze it overnight.
Once frozen, the ice block should pop right out of the pan. Place it in a shaded area and let your chickens peck at it as it melts.
Use Frozen Water Bottles or Jugs
We first used this trick for keeping rabbits cool, but it works for chickens too.
Refill old gallon jugs or water bottles and freeze them. Then place the frozen bottles in the coop, run, or shaded areas around the yard. Some chickens will lay beside them, stand near them, or use the cooler area around the bottle to get relief from the heat.
This is a simple, inexpensive option for especially hot days.
Pull Out the Baby Pool
Keeping chickens cool in the summer sometimes means thinking outside the box, or in this case, inside the pool.
A hard plastic kiddie pool with a little cool water can help your flock cool off. Some chickens will stand in the water, splash around, or drink from it.
You do not need to fill it very deep. A shallow amount of water is best, and always make sure your chickens can easily get in and out. Keep the pool in a shaded area if possible so the water does not heat up too quickly.t chlorinated. Use the day’s water from the pool to water your garden or compost; you’ll need clean water daily.
Watch for Signs of Heat Stress
No matter how many cooling measures you take, it is important to keep a close eye on your chickens during extreme heat.
Signs of heat stress can include panting, holding their wings away from their body, lethargy, pale combs or wattles, weakness, or acting unusually quiet. If one of your chickens seems overheated, move quickly to get her into shade, offer cool fresh water, and help lower her body temperature safely.
The Chicken Chick has a helpful article on the signs, symptoms, and treatment of heat stress in chickens if you want to read more.
Keeping Chickens Cool in the Summer
Keeping chickens cool in the summer does take a little extra effort, especially if you live somewhere with extreme heat like we do here in Phoenix. But simple things like fresh water, good shade, airflow, misters, frozen treats, and a shallow pool can make a big difference for your flock.
The biggest thing is to pay attention. Check on your hens often during the hottest part of the day, watch for signs of heat stress, and make adjustments as needed.
A little planning can go a long way in helping your backyard chickens stay cooler, safer, and more comfortable all summer long.
This post was originally published in June 2016 and has been updated with additional tips and information for keeping chickens cool in the summer.
