Practical Tips for Preventing Heatstroke and Cooling Down Chickens in Summer

Chickens have no sweat glands, and their feathers have a good insulating effect. In addition, their body temperature is as high as 41-42 degrees, so they are very prone to heatstroke during high temperatures in summer, which brings quite a bit of trouble to farmers. So how should chickens be protected from the heat in summer? Let's take a look together.

1. Cooling the chicken coop

First of all, make sure the chicken coop is well ventilated. Adding shade nets over the chicken shed or installing sprinkler equipment can effectively reduce direct sunlight on the chicken shed. Then, before high temperatures arrive, appropriately reduce the stocking density. A reasonable stocking density can effectively lower the temperature inside the shed. You can also gradually add oil and amino acids to the feed, which can effectively reduce body heat production and enhance the resistance of the flock. Measures such as planting plants around the shed or building walls can also reduce direct sunlight and lower the temperature.

2. Cooling through greening

You can plant some vines around the chicken coop and let them climb onto the walls and roof of the coop. This not only blocks sunlight, but the air flow between the leaves and the wall can also lower the indoor temperature. For example, planting grapes: chicken manure is the best fertilizer, promoting plant growth, increasing grape yield, and also providing an extra source of income.

3. Cooling by spraying

In summer, when it is hot and the air is dry, the flock's feed intake decreases while water consumption increases greatly. At this time, spraying water on the chickens' bodies and the ground can cool them down and relieve heat, but relative humidity must also be noted. The suitable relative humidity is 50%-55%. If the relative humidity is greater than 72%, it will make the chicken coop stuffy and hot, with dirty and sticky feathers, easily causing disease. But if the relative humidity is lower than 45%, dust will fly around in the chicken coop, making chickens highly susceptible to respiratory diseases, so humidity must be well controlled.

4. Cooling with fans and air conditioning

If conditions permit, farmers can install a certain number of fans at certain intervals inside the chicken coop. When the temperature inside the coop rises, turn on the fans to accelerate air flow and carry away a large amount of heat, thereby cooling and preventing heatstroke. However, the disadvantage is excessive noise, which is unfavorable during the laying period and may very likely lead to a decline in egg production. Air conditioning can also be used. It is not only low in noise, but its cooling effect is even better than fans. However, the cost is relatively high, and the air conditioning purchase cost and electricity bills are also a major expense.

The above is an introduction to how to prevent heatstroke when raising chickens in summer. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.