How Chickens Keep Their Cool: Beating the Heat Like Feathered Pros

Chickens may be fluffy, but don't let those feathers fool you-they've got some surprisingly clever ways of handling the summer heat. While they don't sweat (yep, no chicken sweat glands here), our feathered friends are experts at regulating their body temperature when the thermometer starts to rise. Here's how they manage to stay chill in hot weather-and what you can do to help them out.

1. Panting: Nature's Built-In AC

Ever see your chicken with its beak open, breathing rapidly? It's not tired-it's panting! Just like dogs, chickens pant to release excess body heat. By evaporating moisture from their throat and respiratory system, they can cool themselves down without breaking a sweat (literally).

2. Spreading Those Wings

When things heat up, chickens will often lift their wings away from their bodies. This isn't some weird chicken yoga move-it's to allow air to circulate and help heat escape from areas where feathers are sparse, like their underarms (well, wing-pits?).

3. Dust Baths, But Make It Cool

You might think dust bathing is just a way to stay clean (ironically), but it also helps chickens stay cool. The fine dirt absorbs oils and moisture, but it also feels cool on hot skin. Bonus: it keeps parasites away, which can be especially pesky in summer.

4. Comb & Wattle Cooling

Those bright red combs and wattles aren't just for show-they're like little radiators! Blood flows through these fleshy parts, cooling as it comes in contact with the air. The larger the comb, the more heat a chicken can shed.

5. Hydration is Everything

Okay, this one's on you. Chickens need access to plenty of fresh, cool water-especially when it's hot out. Some backyard chicken keepers even toss ice cubes in their waterers or offer frozen treats like watermelon slices to keep things fun and refreshing.

Help Your Flock Stay Chill:

• Offer shade-tarps, trees, or even umbrellas work great.
• Provide ventilation in coops and runs.
• Keep water abundant and clean, refilling often.
• Avoid crowding-more space = less heat buildup.

Want even more cool ideas?
Last summer, we shared a full post on practical tips for keeping your flock comfortable through scorching temps. From frozen snacks to shade hacks, it's packed with flock-saving ideas:
👉 Keeping Your Chicken Flock Cool in Hot Weather

Bottom line? Chickens are surprisingly savvy when it comes to summer survival. With a little help from you and a lot of quirky behaviors from them, your flock can strut through the heat with confidence and clucks to spare.

Stay cool out there, chicken keepers! 🐔☀️