Heat Stress

During hot and humid weather conditions, chickens are especially sensitive and are at risk of overheating. Since chickens have a high body temperature and no sweat glands, they rely on panting to release heat from their body. Without relief from the heat, birds will often tire with heat exhaustion. When chickens pant excessively, it increases their respiratory rate that impacts their egg laying cycle. This is due to the amount of ionized calcium in their bodies.

There are several things you can do to help prevent your chickens from overheating.

• Always provide fresh, cool and clean water to all flock members: Position waterers in the shade, add ice, refill with cool water, and check often.
• Provide multiple shade areas: There should be enough shade area throughout all times of the day, for each member of the flock to get out of the sun.
  
• Ensure good ventilation: Chickens that are in poorly ventilated areas are at a heightened risk of heat stress as it blocks air flow.
• Keep air moving: Provide fans and/or position the chicken's outside enclosure in such a way as to maximize wind exposure and good airflow. Alternatively, remove items that may be blocking air flow, such as trimming shrubs and trees, or relocating other structures to a different area.