As mentioned earlier in the blog it is very important to always make sure fresh water is available for your hens. Birds cannot sweat therefore overheat a lot easier than humans. Signs of heat stroke include : excessive panting, lethargy, closed eyes, twitching, dark wattles and combs, crouching, raised feathers and spread wings. Not only does egg production go down but the heat can cause the chickens heart and kidneys to swell, with blood becoming thicker their breath rate increases from between 12-30 breaths per minute to 250. Removing layers pellets at around midday when its hottest may help the birds control their temperature as respiration produces heat. Instead, provide the hens with fresh fruit such as watermelon which also helps to keep them hydrated. Summer conditions are perfect for fly's and insects therefore its also important to make sure the bedding is clean as decomposition also generates heat. The most simplest of reasons of overheating can be due to overcrowding, this can make a coop at any time of the year stuffy and uncomfortable.
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