FreakinPekin Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 Hi peeps! I have had chickens for 5 years now...but as you all know, in that time we've not really had this kind of heat in the UK! Has anyone got an ingenious ideas to keep the Ladies of the Manor cool? I have 4 Pekin Bantams in a 6ft x 9ft WIR with an omlet shade attached onto the side to give some shade....but they are really suffering... any ideas welcome xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 Some advice here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreakinPekin Posted July 19, 2013 Author Share Posted July 19, 2013 Thank you x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlisonH Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 Broken up ice cubes, one of mine looked really sorry for herself and perked up brilliantly after giving ice. Also left a big block of ice in run which they seemed to enjoy pecking during the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 That ice block sounds like a good idea, I might make a couple of those tomorrow. I've heard that next week temps might rise to 36 so now would be a good time to try one, while its cooler - not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreakinPekin Posted July 19, 2013 Author Share Posted July 19, 2013 I read online that you can freeze raisins in the ice cubes to to keep them interested...I might try that too - I just worry that Ice might send them into shock if its too warm? xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gertie Posted July 21, 2013 Share Posted July 21, 2013 I like the frozen raisins idea. I tried sliced up grapes in water last week. They really liked that & it defo encouraged them to drink. I give mine half a refrigerated cabbage to peck at as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simondegaris Posted July 21, 2013 Share Posted July 21, 2013 Hello! Ice cubes work a dream! I brought a cheap little ice cube tray, popped some mealworm and seed in to it and then filled it up with water, then popped it in to freeze! The chickens loved it, not only does it give them something to do (pecking away at it to get the treats out) but it also cooled them off, especially if you pop some in their water as they take extra water in while getting to the stuff! I also have always had a large bowl in my run filled with water. My chickens never use the omlet glug which is always filled bgut much prefer the bowl, so perhaps if you can put other sources of water in that might help too! I havw also heard of people pounring water/seed/treats in to an old small water bottle. Then freezing it. Then cutting the plastic bottle off. Before it was frozen they sank a length of string in to the water with plenty hanging out the top. Once the bottle is cut off, tie it up in to the run and the chickens will go mad...try adding in lots of veg too in the bottle! Hope this helps? Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs_B Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 I increase the amount of drinkers around the run and when it's very hot I pop in ice cubes to help keep the girls cool. I mainly put up covers (and a parasol!) so the girls have plenty of cooler areas so they can keep out of the sun. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoachedPlease Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 Considering the chicken originated from Asian jungle fowl, you would think they would be fine with the heat, and hate the snow, but it's the other way around! Xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 i have put a frozen bottle of frozen water in the nest box to keep it cool in there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreakinPekin Posted July 22, 2013 Author Share Posted July 22, 2013 Yep I have loads of Omlet shades attached to my run so hopefully its getting them cool today.....ice cube disappear so quickly x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcharlie43 Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 I have a garden sprinkler running next to the run. The run is in the shade and it is keeping the air temp down a bit and since I have had it running they have stopped gasping and putting their wings out and have gone back to dust bathing and chickeny things. I tried the ice stuff with cubes and frozen peas and they won't go anywhere near them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 I have put mine in the bathroom today with the blind half down and a cold shower running. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
