Keeping hens chilled in hot weather

Chickens need to keep their cool too when the heat is on; how you can help your flock to enjoy the warmer weather

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Summer is upon us which we Brits welcome with open arms and chilled drinks; but, while we're enjoying the warm weather, what about our feathered friends?

It’s already been a hugely successful summer for hen rehoming with 12,000 finding new homes in May alone, but new hen keepers may be wondering how to keep their chickens chilled when the weather hots up.

Anyone who has observed hens in the sunshine will know they love to stretch out their wings and soak up the rays, but too much of a good thing is possible, so what do you need to consider?

FRESH, COOL WATER

It probably seems like a no brainer, but it’s important now more than ever to keep on top of your hens’ drinker and ensure it’s regularly refreshed with cool water which they will hugely appreciate. Make sure there are more than one drinkers for shyer birds. You can always pop some ice cubes into their drinker first thing in the morning to keep it cooler for longer, and make sure it’s in the shade.

SHADE, SHADE, SHADE