IS YOUR HEN OVERHEATING?

How to tell if your chicken has heat stress.

 

If high temperatures and humidity are too much for your chook, they can suffer from heat stress. But don’t worry, there are a few easy ways you can help them feel more comfortable and happier through the hot summer months.

As it gets hotter, you’ll probably notice your chickens start a range of new behaviours, including panting or dust bathing, which helps them to cool their bodies down. The best ways of keeping your bird comfortable is to make sure they have plenty of access to shade and cool, fresh water; make some nutritional adjustments; and ensure everything they need is within close proximity.

Are you noticing any of these symptoms?  Here’s what it may mean and what you could do:

Decreased feed intakes?

Appetite is severely suppressed when it’s hot, digestion time within body also often slow down.

Solution – Offer a nutrient-dense diet made up of highly digestible ingredients to account for decreased feed intake. Moving from a mash to pellet can often help too.

Decreased egg production?

Production is first thing that goes if the bird is stressed.

Solution – Make sure you have areas of shelter/shade and spots for dust bathing, so your chicken can avoid the heat.

Poor eggshells (thin/weak)?

Imbalance occurs in the blood, which results in less calcium being transferred from to the shell gland.

Solution – Offer a balanced diet and make sure your chicken’s electrolyte balance is met.  You can also use a feed containing a probiotic, like Barastoc Poultry Golden Yolk, to help maintain gut integrity and eggshell quality.

Increased stress and partial moult?

Production drops or ceases and your bird, in extreme conditions, may begin a partial moult as their body tries to compensate.

Solution – Make sure your chicken has access to clean, fresh water at all times and make sure it doesn’t become too hot. Move the water into the shade and refresh it regularly.

Increased mortality?

Keep an eye on older or young birds, as they are more vulnerable in the heat.

Solution – Ensure your birds have enough space around feeders and drinkers, and make sure they aren’t fighting over simple things like nesting boxes, etc. Isolate any lethargic birds to avoid bullying.

Increased behavioural cannibalism or pecking?

Destructive behavioural habits can flare up when stress is evident.

Solution – Ensure your birds have enough space around feeders and drinkers, and make sure they aren’t fighting over simple things like nesting boxes, etc.

Isolate any lethargic birds to avoid bullying.

Diarrhoea?

The chicken tries to compensate with a loss/deficiency of body fluids.

Solution – Use electrolytes to restore balance. Frozen fruits and vegetables can also be a great treat.