There’s nothing quite like a summer morning spent with your chickens. From collecting freshly laid eggs to watching your flock happily scratch around the garden, warmer weather is a wonderful time for both chickens and their owners.
However, while we may enjoy the sunshine, chickens can quickly become uncomfortable in high temperatures. Unlike humans, they can’t sweat, making them much more vulnerable to overheating. With a few simple precautions, you can help your flock stay cool, healthy and productive all summer long.
Here are our top tips for caring for chickens during the warmer months.
1. Fresh Water is Essential
Hydration is the most important part of summer chicken care.
Always ensure your chickens have access to plenty of fresh, clean water throughout the day. On particularly hot days, check drinkers several times, as water can quickly become warm or run low.
Top Tip: Add an extra water station if you have a larger flock, so lower-ranking birds don’t have to compete for a drink.
2. Provide Plenty of Shade
Whether your chickens free-range or stay in a run, they should always have somewhere shaded to escape the midday sun.
Natural shade from trees and shrubs is ideal, but you can also use:
- Shade cloth
- Garden parasols
- Tarpaulins (securely fixed)
- Covered runs
Chickens will naturally seek out cooler areas when temperatures rise.
3. Offer Cooling Treats
Summer is the perfect excuse to spoil your flock with healthy treats.
Some chicken favourites include:
- Watermelon (seedless if possible)
- Cucumber
- Sweetcorn
- Lettuce
- Frozen peas
- Chopped strawberries
You can even freeze chopped fruit in ice cubes or shallow trays of water for an enriching way to cool down.
Remember that treats should only make up a small part of your chickens’ diet, with quality layers pellets or feed remaining their main source of nutrition.
4. Keep the Coop Cool
Good ventilation is essential during summer.
Make sure fresh air can circulate through the coop without creating strong draughts where your chickens roost at night.
It’s also worth:
- Cleaning the coop regularly
- Removing damp bedding
- Checking for signs of flies
- Keeping nesting boxes clean
A clean coop is a healthier coop all year round.
5. Watch Out for Parasites
Warm weather creates ideal conditions for mites, lice and flies.
Take a few minutes each week to:
- Check feathers and skin
- Inspect perches and nesting boxes
- Look for tiny red mites hiding in cracks after dark
- Keep bedding fresh and dry
Early detection makes treatment much easier.
6. Don’t Be Surprised by Fewer Eggs
If your hens lay fewer eggs during very hot weather, don’t panic.
When temperatures climb, chickens naturally put more energy into keeping themselves cool than producing eggs.
As long as they’re eating, drinking and behaving normally, this temporary dip is perfectly natural.
7. Give Them Something to Do
Happy chickens are busy chickens.
Scatter a handful of mixed corn (later in the day when it’s cooler), hang leafy greens in the run, or provide logs, perches and dust bathing areas to encourage natural behaviours.
A dust bath isn’t just fun, it’s an important way for chickens to keep their feathers in good condition and help manage parasites.
8. Know the Signs of Heat Stress
Even with the best preparation, it’s important to recognise when your chickens are struggling.
Watch out for:
- Panting with an open beak
- Wings held away from the body
- Lethargy
- Pale combs and wattles
- Reduced appetite
If you notice these signs, move your chickens into the shade immediately, provide cool (not ice-cold) water and ensure there’s plenty of airflow.
Enjoy Summer with Your Flock
Summer is one of the best times to enjoy keeping chickens. Longer days often mean more time outdoors, plenty of opportunities to watch your flock’s fascinating personalities, and, hopefully, a steady supply of delicious fresh eggs.
With fresh water, plenty of shade and a little extra attention during hot spells, your chickens can stay comfortable, healthy and happy all season long.
After all, happy hens make happy homes. 🐔☀️