How to Keep Chickens Cool in the Sweltering Summer Heat

It’s been two straight weeks of heat advisories here in the Midwest, and with August just around the corner, we know the worst may not be over yet. As much as we’re feeling the weight of this heavy heat ourselves, our poor chickens are, too.

Chickens are far more sensitive to heat than cold. In fact, anything above 85°F can start to stress them — and when temps soar into the 90s and beyond, they’re at risk of heat exhaustion or worse. So as homesteaders and backyard chicken keepers, it’s our job to help them beat the heat and stay safe.

In this blog post, I go over some simple, natural, and effective ways we keep our flock cool during these sweltering Midwest summers.

1. Fresh, Cool Water (LOTS of it!)

Water is the first and most critical defense against heat stress. Adequate hydration for your flock is ESSENTIAL. Make sure your chickens have constant access to fresh, clean, and cool water — not just once a day, but checked and refreshed multiple times when it’s hot.

We like to:

• Add a few ice cubes or even frozen berries to their waterers.
• Place water in shaded spots so it doesn’t warm too quickly. (Our coop is pretty shady right now)
• Use multiple containers around the run to prevent crowding. We use this 5 gallon automatic waterer and also this black 3 gallon rubber tub.
• BONUS: Try adding electrolyte powder to their water to help combat and prevent heat stress. We do this every time we change their water.

🌳 2. Create Shade (Natural or Temporary)

If your chickens free-range or have an outdoor run, make sure there are ample shaded areas where they can retreat. If you could see our coop lately, you will notice things look a little…well….overgrown.😅 At first we were going to weed eat all of the tall grasses that are surrounding the chicken run. We have chosen not to due to the fact that they provide shade to the coop and provide some insulating properties. It looks kind of bad but it is practical for us right now!

Here are a few ideas you could try:

• Hang up an old sheet, tarp, or feed sack to create a temporary shade cloth.
• Use pallets leaned against the fence for pop-up shade walls.
• Grow climbing vines or sunflowers along the run for natural shade (if you plan ahead in spring). We currently have some Virginia Creeper starting to climb up the hardware cloth on one side.

Inside the coop, ventilation is key, but shade will reduce the overall temperature more than anything else.

❄️ 3. Offer Cold Treats

Chickens LOVE treats, and it’s easy to make it functional when the heat is brutal.

Try:

• Frozen watermelon, berries, or cucumbers. Watermelon is Lady Grantham’s absolute favorite!
• DIY “flock pops” — frozen blocks made with fruits, corn, oats, and herbs in a muffin tin or plastic bowl
• Chill their feed or fermented grains in the fridge before offering

These treats cool their body from the inside out while keeping them hydrated and happy.

🌬 4. Improve Airflow

If your coop gets stuffy, especially overnight, you might need to up your ventilation game.

Tips:

• Prop open safe windows or vents to allow a cross breeze
• Use a battery-operated fan in the coop or shaded area (solar fans work great too)
• Keep roost bars low or offer the option to sleep on the ground during the hottest nights. We have a space underneath the coop with dirt that the girls can escape to if their coop gets too warm at night.

Just be careful not to blow dust into their faces — chickens are sensitive to that, too.

🛁 5. Provide a Dust Bath in the Shade

Chickens instinctively bathe in dust to cool off and rid themselves of mites or pests. Make sure they have a designated dry, shaded dust bath area.

You can mix:

• Wood ash (from your fireplace or firepit)
• Diatomaceous earth (optional — just a little)
• Dry dirt or sand

🪨 6. Don’t Crowd the Coop

If you can, let your chickens spread out during the day instead of staying cooped up. Overcrowding increases body heat and stress, so they’ll naturally seek space when they can.

Even chickens that don’t usually get along will appreciate some elbow room when it’s this hot.

⚠️ Watch for Signs of Heat Stress

Keep an eye on your birds for these signs:

• Panting with beaks open
• Wings held away from their bodies
• Lethargy or unwillingness to eat
• Pale combs or wattles
• Staggering or drooping

If a chicken shows signs of heat stroke, bring her inside immediately. Place her in a cool (not cold) area and offer electrolyte water. You can gently mist her with water or place a cool, damp cloth under her wings to help bring her temperature down.

A Note from Our Coop

We’ve seen firsthand how fast chickens can go from mildly stressed to dangerously overheated. The best approach is prevention. A few small efforts — ice water, shaded rest areas, and cold treats — can make all the difference.

If you’re sweating in the shade with a glass of iced tea in hand, just imagine how your hens must feel under all those feathers. Let’s keep them safe and comfortable through these dog days of summer.

If you have any other helpful tips that you personally use for your flock during the heat spells, I would love to hear! Simply drop a comment below. ❤️

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