Top Up with Electrolytes
Hens lose a lot of salts when they’re panting to stay cool, and that can quickly lead to dehydration. Adding electrolytes to their water especially sodium, potassium and chloride helps keep them balanced. A dose of vitamins C and E in the mix can also support recovery and reduce stress. It’s best to get started before a hot spell kicks in, not just once it’s already baking.
Keep Water Cool and Easy to Access
Water is absolutely critical in the heat. Birds will drink more, but if the water’s too warm or lines are sluggish, they’ll back off. Try flushing the lines first thing and again mid afternoon to keep it under 20°C if you can. Check all the drinkers are working properly and think about adding extras if there’s any crowding. Keep an eye out for pale combs, slow birds, or poor feed intake they’re often the first signs of dehydration.
Make the Environment Low Stress
The less your birds move, the less heat they generate. Simple enrichment pecking blocks, shaded dust baths, or low perches in cooler spots can help them stay calm and settled. Keep things quiet during the hottest part of the day and avoid unnecessary handling or movement. Spread things out to stop them bunching and overheating.
Get Air Moving
Good ventilation makes a huge difference. If you’ve got natural airflow, open up where you can ridge vents, side panels, whatever helps shift the hot air out. In mechanical systems, double check fans are clean and running well, and make sure airflow is reaching the birds, not just circulating above them. Reducing stocking density helps too, if you’ve got the room.
Let Them Cool at Night
The night is your window to help hens cool down properly. Keep fans running or open up sheds if possible to pull in cooler air. Birds need a few hours under 25°C to properly recover from the day’s heat this helps reset their appetite and keeps egg quality on track.
Keep an Eye on Red Mite
Warm weather’s a dream for red mite, and infestations make heat stress worse. Mites feed at night and disturb rest, which really knocks the birds about. Check perch ends and housing joints regularly and act quickly if you spot signs. Diatomaceous earth, heat treatments or approved chemicals all have their place just don’t let it get ahead of you. Dry litter and clean housing help keep the pressure down.