Summer is here with a vengeance, and many parts of the country are experiencing record high temperatures and intense dry spells. While you may be able to retreat into an air conditioned home to cool down after doing yard work, your chickens are not as lucky. Keeping them cool is incredibly important during the summer months. Today, we’ll take a look at a few ways you can transform your yard into a chicken coop paradise.
Ice Water
Just like people, chickens need to stay hydrated, especially during hot days. Adding ice to their water bowls is an excellent and easy way to help them stay cool. Also, consider adding several small dishes of water around the yard. This will ensure that they have adequate access to water throughout the day, and makes it easier for you to refill the dishes with fresh, cool water.
Give Frozen Treats
In addition to their regular feed, chickens always appreciate treats. During the summer, freeze fruit like watermelon, strawberries, and bananas for an easy cold treat they’re sure to love. Be sure to chop them into small pieces so your chickens can easily enjoy them.
Create Shade
If you have lots of shade trees in your yard, you might not need to add additional shade for your chickens. However, if you’re like most of us, you’ll likely have a large part of your yard that’s always exposed to the hot sun. Hanging a tarp across one corner of their coop to a tree or fence post can provide a nice, shady area for them to lounge in when the temperatures rise.
Let Them Out Earlier
Temperatures are almost always cooler in the morning than they are in the afternoon. Letting your chickens out of the coop earlier in the morning will let them be outside before the heat sets in. If you prefer sleeping in to getting up before dawn, order an automatic chicken coop door from Coop Tender.
Our chicken coop doors open and close on a timer, making it possible for you to let your chickens out before the sun warms up your yard. Browse our selection and order your new coop door today.
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