Don’t cook your eggs before they’re laid

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Three tips to help your poultry flock beat the heat.

Water,  Water,   Water

Provide your birds with plenty of water. If possible, provided fresh cool water multiple times a day.

 Air   Movement

Coops can heat up fast if there’s no ventilation! Fans can help circulate air if electricity is available. Being outside is another good option provided your birds have access to shade and protection from predators.

Feeding   Time

Feed during the late afternoon or evening. Why? Digesting food produces a lot of heat. Chickens (especially meat-type chickens) will fill their crops and then digest the feed for a few hours. Feeding in the late afternoon or evening can be helpful, so they digest the feed overnight during the coldest part of the day.

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Getting fewer eggs or thinner eggshells?

Don’t be surprised if your eggshell quality decreases with hot weather. Birds cool themselves by panting. Excessive panting can change the pH of the blood, affecting eggshell formation.

Additionally, chickens will usually eat less during hot weather, causing a decrease in egg production.