If you clean out your chicken coop each fall before the winter hits, that is the perfect time to do a chicken coop inspection. Lay down sufficient bedding. Before winter hits you will want to lay down a really good layer of bedding for your hens. Set up a barrier, and offer continuous feed are a couple extra things to pay attention too.
This begs the inquiry “Do chickens need heat in the winter?”
In most cases, chickens don’t need heat in winter, EXCEPT if you live in a very cold environment, such as parts of Minnesota or Canada that can easily reach -30 degrees F. If you’re concerned your flock won’t be warm enough on particularly cold nights, offer your chickens some extra feed or cracked corn so they have extra calories to burn.
Provide a constant supply of cold fresh water. On the hottest days, that may mean re freshing their water a few times per day. Some chicken keepers add ice to their chicken waterers to keep them cool. Instead of ice, you could also throw some frozen treats in there – like frozen fruit or vegetables!
You may be wondering “Do chickens sweat in the summer?”
Since chickens don’t sweat, they rely on their respiratory systems to cool themselves off. They will pant and breathe through their mouths to keep cool . This means your chickens are hot, but it doesn’t mean that they are in danger of having a heat stroke.
What should I do if my chicken is too hot?
If you notice a chicken that seems overly hot, you can always check their temperature. An internal body temperature of over 110 degrees is considered dangerous. Bring the chicken indoors where it’s cool. Provide them with cool water, not cold water. Cold water can shock the body when it’s overheated.
Why do chickens like to go swimming?
Some chickens will enjoy standing in the cool water to cool off their legs, which will help to cool off their bodies. Not all chickens will enjoy taking a dip in the water, but some will, so it’s worth a try.