Every morning starts the same around here: coffee in one hand, bucket of scraps in the other, and a trail of clucking hens hot on my heels. In the warmer months, I’ve found that keeping our chickens cool in summer requires a bit of planning and creativity.
They know the sound of the back door opening. Honestly, I think they know the sound of the coffee maker. The moment it finishes, they start pacing near the coop like impatient toddlers. As soon as I step outside, they come sprinting like I’m the ice cream truck, feathers flapping and beaks open in anticipation. Never mind that I’m usually bringing wilted lettuce and the last slice of bread that someone (me) forgot to seal properly the night before.
They don’t mind. They’re optimists.
There’s something deeply comforting about their daily drama.
They line up like a panel of judges, ready to inspect my offerings. If it meets their standards—meaning anything remotely crunchy or colorful—I get the nod of approval: a few excited clucks, some vigorous scratching, and one particularly bold hen trying to peck my shoe just to remind me who’s boss.
But this time of year, even their sass slows down. The heat creeps in early and stays late, and instead of squawking and gossiping all morning, they sort of loaf around, wings slightly lifted, panting like tiny dragons, trying to stay cool. It’s equal parts funny and concerning.
Chickens, it turns out, don’t handle summer heat well. Unlike us, they can’t sweat, and their fluffy little bodies are better suited to chilly mornings than scorching afternoons. So when the temperatures start to rise, it’s my job to help the chickens stay cool in the summer heat.
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that have made summer easier on all of us—me, the hens, and yes, even the overly dramatic rooster who acts like 32°C is the end of days.
Keeping Chickens Cool in the Summer heat
☀️ Shade is non-negotiable.
If your chicken run doesn’t have natural shade, it’s time to get creative. I’ve used everything from old sheets to leftover bits of shade cloth to create makeshift shelters. Even a cheap garden umbrella will do the trick. As long as it blocks the sun and doesn’t trap heat, it’s a win. The hens will always seek out the coolest patch of ground and you’d be amazed how grateful they seem for even a little relief.
🍉 Frozen treats = happy hens.
Frozen watermelon slices are a huge hit around here. So are bowls of peas straight from the freezer, or a frozen block of chopped-up fruit in a shallow dish of water. It’s like popsicles for chickens, and watching them peck away at it is oddly satisfying. It keeps them hydrated and gives them something fun to do during those hot, slow hours. Keeping them cool.
💧 Fresh water, and lots of it.
This might be the most important tip of all. Chickens need a lot more water in summer, and they’ll turn their beaks up at anything that’s warm or dirty. I keep multiple waterers in shaded spots and refresh them a few times a day. Sometimes I toss in some ice cubes so it keep things cool a little longer. Happy chickens = hydrated chickens.
🛁 Dust baths in shady corners.
Dust bathing isn’t just about staying clean—it’s how chickens regulate their body temperature, get rid of mites, and relax. I make sure they have access to dry, loose dirt under a tree or bush, or I create a little shaded spa area with some dry soil and a sprinkle of diatomaceous earth. They’ll flop over dramatically, kick their legs in the air, and look like they’ve just discovered paradise.
🌬 Coop airflow is key.
Coops can get stuffy fast and that’s dangerous in summer. I like to keep the windows open, prop the door if it’s safe, and check for good ventilation every evening. No one wants to sleep in a sauna—not even chickens. In addition I added a small solar-powered fan in one corner of the coop because it keeps air moving on especially hot days.
Simple Moments, Even in the Heat
It takes a bit of extra effort, yes. But honestly, it’s the kind of effort that gives more than it takes. Even on the hottest days. When the air is thick and everything moves slower, my girls still come running to greet me. Maybe not as fast as in spring, but with the same curious eyes and hopeful clucks that never fail to make me smile.
Some mornings, I wonder if I’ve taken on too much—if it’s all too much. But then I hear the soft rustle of feathers, feel the weight of a still-warm egg in my palm, or catch a glimpse of one hen stretched out in the shade, eyes half-closed in perfect peace. And just like that, the doubt slips away.
These quiet moments—watching them peck at frozen watermelon, dust bathing like queens in their shady corner or dozing under the lavender—remind me why I do this. It’s not just about the eggs, or the routines. It’s about the connection, the rhythm, the grounding simplicity of life shared with creatures who ask for so little, yet give so much.
That’s summer contentment. For them—and for me.
Check out this A Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Chickens and this Keep Your Chickens Healthy: Top 10 Tips for Year-Round Care 🐓 to learn more.
