Sparklysocks Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 Does anyone have any tips for keeping hens healthy in this hot weather? How good are hens at tolerating hot weather? This is probably the warmest its been (continuously) since I've had the hens and with the weather set to continue I want to make sure they are OK. My hens have shade in the garden and I'm topping up their water regularly. They seem to be OK but I'm wondering if there is anything else I should be doing? Any tips from anyone would be appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 I have a heat reflective mat I put over the cube (which is outside) to prevent them being roast chicken. Lots of water and stalosan on the run floor to prevent fly strike, enjoy the weather!. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparklysocks Posted July 14, 2013 Author Share Posted July 14, 2013 Thanks for the tip. They don't spend that much time in the run as they have the garden to explore freely. I have found they love finishing off the leftovers of melon as a summer treat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 Sticky here at the top of the section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenthelibrarian Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 A hint I got from this forum which has proved a good 'un... Put some finely chopped up fruit/veg into a bowl of water, the hens will 'dip' for the treats with the added bonus of a bit extra going in as drink. We've done this twice today, earlier with bits of cucumber and this afternoon with an apple core and its seeds, they seemed to enjoy it. Grapes would work, too, I'm sure. It was also distracted two greedy beaks from trying to share our biscuits Sorry not to be able to credit the original poster of this brilliant idea - well done and our thanks, whoever you are Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hayleybug Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 eglus and cubes are insulated to stabilise the temperature inside- even if the sun is fully on my eglu, when i open the eggport and put my hand inside the temperature is fairly pleasant and not at all warm. so you shouldnt need anything on the house particularly unless you have different housing. watermelon is a favourite around here, also sweetcorn dropped into their water (fairly shallow else it sinks) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 eglus and cubes are insulated to stabilise the temperature inside- even if the sun is fully on my eglu, when i open the eggport and put my hand inside the temperature is fairly pleasant and not at all warm. so you shouldnt need anything on the house particularly unless you have different housing. I have to disagree, in very hot weather the inside of the cube is hotter, by putting on the reflective matting it does bring the temp down a bit, I have no doubt about it. Most of the time the cube is fine but in direct sun and with such high temps my girls choose to lay in the Eglu in the shade, which speaks volumes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted July 14, 2013 Share Posted July 14, 2013 I have to agree with you chuckmum6. One of my girls was in the nesting box at lunchtime today and it was so hot I thought I better check on her, she was panting and it did seem real hot in there, am gonna put a bottle of frozen water in there tomorrow to help keep it cool, she has laid two soft shelled eggs too so not sure if the heat is getting to her, the vet thinks she has started her moult so could be that too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
