Chickens handle cold far better than heat. In a Central North Carolina July, a little planning goes a long way.
Signs of heat stress
Panting with beaks open, wings held away from the body, pale combs and lethargy. A hen that's stumbling or won't get up needs to be moved somewhere cool right away.
What helps
- Shade over the run — shade cloth, a tarp or trees, especially in the afternoon.
- Plenty of cool water. Add extra waterers and put them in the shade. Refill with cool water on the hottest days.
- Electrolytes in the water during heat waves.
- Airflow. Open every vent and window (covered with hardware cloth). A fan in the coop helps if you have safe power.
- Cool treats like frozen watermelon or cucumbers, in moderation.
What to skip
Go easy on scratch grains and corn in the heat of the day; save them for evening. And don't add extra bedding or close up the coop early on hot nights.