Help Combat the Summer Heat
Chickens, like so many other animals, have a hard time dealing with drastic climates. Whether they’re dealing with extreme cold or heat, there are a few things you can do to help them be a little less miserable. Try adding a few of these DIY projects into your flock management.
Homemade Electrolytes
Electrolytes
In 1 cup of warm water add:
- 2 tsp of white sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- Fresh mint if you have it
Add one cup of this mixture per gallon of water.
Make some ahead of time and refrigerate the larger quantities. Freeze them into ice cubes and add the cubes as needed to their water.
Frozen Fruit Treats
Frozen pumpkin
Watermelon, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, melons, or pumpkins—they all work great. Mash the fruit and stick them in ice cube trays. Freeze them up and hand them out when it’s hot. Another idea: fill the trays with water and mealworms, freeze, and serve.
Add Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been given to chickens for hundreds of years, because of its numerous health benefits. It supports the immune system, and ACV is full of vitamins, minerals, and other trace elements. This is particularly useful since chickens are particularly prone to respiratory problems. ACV is also especially rich in potassium! It can also help with fecal odor. ACV helps break down minerals and fats!
There’s no better time than during the hot humid summer to add a little to your flock’s water. 1 tablespoon per gallon is the dose I use for a healthy chicken. If they are sick, I add a little extra.
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1 Comment
Do NOT use ACV in your chicken’s water in the summer if you live in the desert! It can cause dehydration and can kill your birds.