Keeping cool

Petal to the Metal

Petal to the Metal

Golden Chicken
Messages
191
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.
 
OhSusanna

OhSusanna

Golden Chicken
Messages
153
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

Farm Hand
Messages
80
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.
 
 
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