Tips For Keeping Your Chickens Cool In The Summer
Keep chickens cool this summer - learn when to add electrolytes and how the right feed can help them beat the heat and stay healthy in high temps.
Beat the Heat: When to add Electrolytes to your chicken's water & how choosing the right feed can help keep your chickens cool during the hot summer months.
As summer temperatures soar, your backyard flock feels the heat just as much as you do. High heat and humidity can quickly lead to dehydration, heat stress, and even death if not managed properly. Fortunately, there are two simple yet powerful tools you can use to keep your chickens healthy during summer: electrolytes and nutrient-rich feed.
When to Add Electrolytes to Your Chicken’s Water
Electrolytes help balance essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium in your birds’ bodies, which are key for hydration and nerve function. In the summer, adding electrolytes to your chickens’ water becomes especially important. But timing is everything.
Add Electrolytes:
During a heat wave: If temperatures reach 85°F or higher for consecutive days, provide electrolytes to help your flock recover lost nutrients due to panting and excess water loss.
When birds show signs of heat stress: Lethargy, open-mouth breathing (panting), wings spread out, and reduced feed intake are all signs it’s time to intervene.
After transport or moving co-ops: These stressful events, especially in the heat, can also dehydrate chickens quickly.
Following illness or diarrhea: Electrolytes can help restore balance and prevent further dehydration.
Limit Electrolyte Use:
While beneficial, electrolytes should only be used for 3–5 consecutive days. Overuse can cause mineral imbalances. Always provide clean, fresh water alongside electrolyte-enhanced water.
How High-Quality Feed Supports Summer Health
In hot weather, chickens often eat less. That’s why their feed must be packed with bioavailable nutrients that support hydration, immunity, and energy, without overloading their system.
Key Nutrients to Look For in Summer Feeds:
Selenium Yeast: Boosts immune support and helps your birds manage stress better.
Zinc: Promotes skin and feather health, which helps chickens stay cool and protected from sun exposure.
Natural Enzymes: Improve nutrient absorption so chickens get more out of every bite, even when eating less.
Soy-Free, Corn-Free Options: These are often easier to digest and reduce the internal heat load during digestion.
One solution we offer at Bar ALE: Organic 18% Soy-Free Corn-Free Layer Mini Pellet
https://store.baraleinc.com/organic-18-6-soy-free-corn-free-layer-mini-pellet-0972--40
Pro Tip: Pair Smart Feeding with Summer Management
To keep your flock thriving all summer long:
Feed during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or evening.
Offer frozen fruits or veggies as healthy, hydrating treats.
Provide shaded areas and good ventilation in the coop and run.
Keep multiple water stations to ensure consistent access, especially in larger flocks.
In Summary
Electrolytes are your chickens’ summer survival tool when used strategically, especially during heat waves and stressful events. But don’t stop there. Choosing a nutrient-dense, easily digestible feed helps ensure your birds stay strong, hydrated, and productive even when the temperatures spike.
Looking for a summer-smart feed? Explore our line of chicken feeds designed with optimal summer nutrition in mind—formulated to support hydration, digestion, and egg production, no matter the weather. Visit: https://store.baraleinc.com/poultry/
You can find our treats and feeds at your local feed store by visiting www.baraleinc.com/find-a-dealer or have treats and feed delivered directly to your door by shopping at Chewy.com: https://www.chewy.com/f/bar-ale_f1v257780