Keeping cool

[Petal to the Metal]

It's been a blazing hot summer with record temps so far. Thanks to the heat, I have chickens that are laying fewer eggs and goats that are making less milk. Please share some tips for keeping livestock cool during a brutal heatwave.

 

[RichZ]

Barn fans usually help somewhat.

 

[OhSusanna]

I provide all of mine with ice water fairly regularly, and there's plenty of shade. I let the pigs root around in their mudhole more often than usual to keep the sun off them. I have a water mister for the chickens and quails. I've thought about installing a swamp cooler of sorts in the chicken coop, but I'm afraid that might lead to moisture building up which isn't healthy for them. I have fans running which provides some relief, plus they help keep the flies away too. It really is hot right now!

 

[MartyR]

It isn't as bad here because the humidity isn't high, but I suppose it depends on what they're used to. I raise heritage breeds that are hardy and adapt easily. We just try to keep cool water around for them.