Poultry and Summer Heat

     Poultry can be negatively affected by summer heat. There are several factors that can be controlled to help them remain healthy and productive throughout the summer.

     Poultry need to maintain a constant body temperature. For example, chicken’s body temperature ranges between 105°F and 107°F. Poultry have some basic ways of lowering their body temperature. Panting allows poultry to release water vapor from the lungs helping cool the body. Poultry may also hold their wings out which increases surface area and hep them radiate out heat. You can also provide additional items to help poultry deal with high temperatures.

     Water is the most important item for poultry as it is for any other animal. Water should always be available to prevent dehydration which can occur quickly when poultry are already panting. Cool water is preferred to warm or hot water. Waterers should be kept out of sunlight.

     Feed and the bird digesting it can increase body temperature. Feeding poultry during the cooler parts of the day can help prevent overheating.

     A proper shelter is important too. Providing shade gives poultry relief from direct sunlight. It also provides cooler ground where poultry can rest and lay their body against the cool ground. Be careful how you provide shade. A metal roof may give great shade, but the radiant heat created by the sun on the metal may make the area under the shade warmer than the outside air temperature.

     Ventilation is another important factor for a proper shelter. If the shelter can be aligned to take advantage of summer winds, the natural air flow will help to cool the shelter and the poultry. If natural ventilation is not possible, adding fans to move air through the shelter will prevent the air from becoming stale and hot.

     Providing enough space is another factor. The more birds can spread out, the better they are able to regulate their own body temperature. Birds crowded into a shade may produce more body heat than if they were left out of the shade.

     Poultry kept indoors during the summer are at the greatest risk for overheating. Be sure birds have cool water available, shade, space, ventilation and are fed during cool hours. You may choose to use misting systems to help with cooling or put out frozen water bottles for birds to cool themselves against. As long as poultry, indoors or outdoors, can be provided some basic necessities, they can endure the heat of summer very well.

Scott Stinnett
Area Extension Agent
Kit Carson County
Golden Plains Area
Colorado State University Extension