Here’s the kicker. Chickens are actually terrible at handling heat. They don’t sweat. They can’t pant like dogs for long.
Anything above 85°F starts to stress them. At 90°F, they’re struggling. At 100°F? That’s a genuine emergency.
Why? Because they’re wearing a down jacket year-round. Imagine how you’d feel in a parka on a July afternoon. Not great, right?
Signs Your Chicken is Overheated
They’ll hold their wings away from their bodies. They’ll pant with their beaks open. Their combs might look pale or even purple.
If you see that, act fast. Do not dunk them in cold water—that’s a shock to their system. Use cool water, or set up a fan in a shady, breezy spot.
Frozen watermelon slices? Yes. Ice cubes in their water? Absolutely. They go bonkers for that stuff.