Our top tips on keeping your hens happy and healthy in the summer heat
It's really important in very hot weather to make sure that your hens are happy and comfortable. You need to make sure that they won't overheat and are not going to be at risk during the warmer weather. It is likely that you may notice a change in your hens behaviour. They may begin panting, much like a dog does, and they will also drink more but eat less. They may lay less due to the reduction in feed intake too. You will possibly notice they are less active and instead opt to stretch out and rest with wings and legs in some very odd directions.
Our top 6 tips to keep your flock healthy and happy in the heat are:
1. Make sure your hens have access to plenty of fresh drinking water throughout the day. Don't let your drinkers run dry and give them a regular clean to keep algae at bay. Avoid using Apple Cider Vinegar in the water in the very hot temperatures as too much ACV in these conditions can cause Acidosis in hens. If your hens are showing symptoms associated with heat stress, then make up an electrolyte solution to add to the drinking water which will replace vital minerals. Into four litres of drinking water add the following: 8 teaspoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. You can also add some ice cubes to their water on a really hot day. Your hens may well do more watery droppings in the summer as they will have to expel extra water so that they can drink more to keep them cool. If you think they are doing anything unusual then please contact us, or take your hen to the vet.
2. Although hens enjoy the warm weather, they need shade too. This could be natural from trees, or man-made, such as a tarpaulin covering. Your hens will want to be outside, rather than having to hide in the house, so make sure there is a shady spot they can make themselves comfortable in. If you have pecking issues within your flock, and some of your hens are sporting bald patches, then it is worth putting some sudcream or suncream on them to avoid them suffering from sunburn.
3. Keep the coop clean! The warmth brings out red mite and flies. Having a thorough cleaning regime will help to keep both at bay. You can put up fly traps in the run, out of reach of the hens, to catch any flies that are causing a problem, and dispose of soiled bedding away from the chicken run. Red Top Fly Traps are excellent at getting rid of flies from a chicken run, but be sure you're buying the real thing as there are many fakes which do not work as effectively. Make sure that the bedding inside the house doesn't get damp as it will lead to high humidity levels which can make the hens poorly too. Check regularly inside the coop for signs of Red Mite and treat using Net-tex Total Mite Kill Spray, followed by Smite Diatom Powder. If Red Mite become a reoccuring problem then you may want to consider adding Red Stop Solution to their drinking water to stop the mites feeding off your hens.
Our top 6 tips to keep your flock healthy and happy in the heat are:
1. Make sure your hens have access to plenty of fresh drinking water throughout the day. Don't let your drinkers run dry and give them a regular clean to keep algae at bay. Avoid using Apple Cider Vinegar in the water in the very hot temperatures as too much ACV in these conditions can cause Acidosis in hens. If your hens are showing symptoms associated with heat stress, then make up an electrolyte solution to add to the drinking water which will replace vital minerals. Into four litres of drinking water add the following: 8 teaspoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. You can also add some ice cubes to their water on a really hot day. Your hens may well do more watery droppings in the summer as they will have to expel extra water so that they can drink more to keep them cool. If you think they are doing anything unusual then please contact us, or take your hen to the vet.
2. Although hens enjoy the warm weather, they need shade too. This could be natural from trees, or man-made, such as a tarpaulin covering. Your hens will want to be outside, rather than having to hide in the house, so make sure there is a shady spot they can make themselves comfortable in. If you have pecking issues within your flock, and some of your hens are sporting bald patches, then it is worth putting some sudcream or suncream on them to avoid them suffering from sunburn.
3. Keep the coop clean! The warmth brings out red mite and flies. Having a thorough cleaning regime will help to keep both at bay. You can put up fly traps in the run, out of reach of the hens, to catch any flies that are causing a problem, and dispose of soiled bedding away from the chicken run. Red Top Fly Traps are excellent at getting rid of flies from a chicken run, but be sure you're buying the real thing as there are many fakes which do not work as effectively. Make sure that the bedding inside the house doesn't get damp as it will lead to high humidity levels which can make the hens poorly too. Check regularly inside the coop for signs of Red Mite and treat using Net-tex Total Mite Kill Spray, followed by Smite Diatom Powder. If Red Mite become a reoccuring problem then you may want to consider adding Red Stop Solution to their drinking water to stop the mites feeding off your hens.
4. Hens will love having a dust-bath in the sun, so make sure they have a patch of the garden that they can use for this. You don't necessarily have to provide them with a tray of sand or cat litter, and they will more than happily dig around in an area of soil. If your hens are on an area which is all turf then it can be wise to provide them with a dust bath tray otherwise they will ruin your lawn! Dust baths are a really important cleaning regime for hens. Throwing the dirt over their skin will help to rid them of mites and dead skin cells, as well as remove old oil from their feathers. Put some Diatom or Red Mite Powder in the dust bath areas so that the birds dust themselves for you. Don't worry if your hen looks in a really uncomfortable and painful position when she is in the dust bath- it's just what they do! Avoid hosing the ground or air, because if they get wet they will not be able to dust bath. Hens will also lift their wings and feathers away from their bodies to allow the heat to escape, which is something else they'll struggle to do if they are wet.
5. An afternoon treat of chilled fruit or veg with a high water content will be very welcomed. Grapes, watermelon, cucumber and lettuce are a few suggestions, but each flock will have their own favourites. Make sure it is only given in the afternoon so that your hens get their fill of layers pellets earlier on in the day. Ensure there is enough to go round so that the hens at the bottom of the pecking order don't miss out. Avoid giving corn as a treat during these hot days and nights, as it is a carbohydrate it will give them energy and warm them up. If they like to have a treat scattered to scratch around for, switch to a high protein treat such as sunflower hearts.
6. A final tip is to remember that it is really important to make sure your girls get to bed at a reasonable time! Don't feel that just because it is still light later on into the evenings that they should be out. If your hens are free ranging into the evening ensure that they are doing so under supervision as it can help avoid visits from the fox. Otherwise put them to bed to keep them safe. Do make sure that the hen house is well ventilated, without being drafty, and is secure against predators.
If you are coming to purchase hens from us, or bringing hens in for a holiday with us then please ensure they are transported in a suitable carrier. A sturdy cardboard box with plenty of ventilation holes in, at least the size of a 2 pence piece, will be fine, but don't squeeze too many into one box. Otherwise wire dog crates or cat carriers are ideal as they allow for plenty of air flow.
6. A final tip is to remember that it is really important to make sure your girls get to bed at a reasonable time! Don't feel that just because it is still light later on into the evenings that they should be out. If your hens are free ranging into the evening ensure that they are doing so under supervision as it can help avoid visits from the fox. Otherwise put them to bed to keep them safe. Do make sure that the hen house is well ventilated, without being drafty, and is secure against predators.
If you are coming to purchase hens from us, or bringing hens in for a holiday with us then please ensure they are transported in a suitable carrier. A sturdy cardboard box with plenty of ventilation holes in, at least the size of a 2 pence piece, will be fine, but don't squeeze too many into one box. Otherwise wire dog crates or cat carriers are ideal as they allow for plenty of air flow.
