How to help combat the summer heat in your flock?
Chickens, like so many other animals, have a hard time dealing with drastic climates. Whether 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 cheap and easy!
Electrolytes
In 1 cup of warm water add
2 tsp of white sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
Add some fresh mint if you have it
1cup of 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 ACV
Apple Cider Vinegar has been given to chickens for 100’s of years since it has numerous health benefits. It supports the immune system! ACV is full of vitamins, minerals, and other trace elements. It helps to lower the pH level of the stomach, and in return helps digestion. ACV detoxifies the blood and helps remove mucus from within the body. This is particularly useful since chickens are particularly prone to respiratory problems. It’s 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.