Beat the heat

Cara Wheeldon meets an experienced bantam owner who shares her advice on how to keep your bantams happy, hydrated and healthy this summer

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As the temperature climbs and the summer fever kicks in, it is essential to remember that our feathered friends need a little extra TLC and care. The 38-year-old assistant head teacher and bantam keeper Claire Bunyan shares her tried-and-tested tips for keeping small chickens cool, hydrated and stress-free through the UK’s hottest months, offering us insight into coop placement and portable shading methods along with vital summertime care advice for new owners.

Q: Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your experience with bantams?

A: Of course! My name is Claire, and I am an assistant head teacher living in Hertfordshire. I have had a mixed flock for around ten years, but for the last five years I have been keeping bantams as part of a backyard flock. I have raised bantams and standard-sized chickens, so I have collected a lot of transferable experience with birds of all shapes and sizes.

Q: How do your bantams handle the hot weather?

A: In my experience, they cope similarly to my larger Orpington’s, even though those are much bigger and fluffier. When they get hot, they visibly pant, open their wings to cool down and move to shaded areas. It is not really about size, in my opinion—it is more about what we provide for them to ensure proper care.

Q: What are some of the risks of high temperatures for bantams?

A: Well, I think, similarly to people, you do not want them getting dehydrated or overheated. I am not sure about all the clinical risks apart from death, but if a person should not be out baking in the sun, a chicken definitely should not be either! Access to shade and water is key.

Q: What changes do you make to your coop setup in summer to help your birds?