No Smallholding Should Be Without Chickens

No smallholding should be without chickens. In my opinion, they are an absolute necessity for any smallholder. They are easy to care for, very entertaining, and provide fresh eggs daily.

Keeping chickens cool in the summer months is very important to avoid overheating. Although summer has been a long time coming this year, with many thinking the hot weather has forgotten the UK completely, even the odd sunny day can cause distress for chickens if they are not cared for properly.

Although it can be difficult to tell whether a chicken is in distress, some of the signs to look out for include the following:

Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Pale comb
Splayed feathers
Panting
Beak parted

You can make your chickens more comfortable during hot weather by ensuring they always have fresh, cool water to drink. Regularly check their supply and refresh and top up when necessary. Offering frozen berries is a good way of keeping chickens fed and hydrated; adding ice cubes to their drinker will help keep water cool for longer. Shady areas are essential for allowing your chickens a chance to escape from the sun’s hot rays and cool off, especially when the temperatures are at their highest at midday. My chickens love to congregate under the shepherd’s hut and the fruit trees. Other ideal spots are underneath the hen house if you have a raised coop and under hedges. If shade isn’t readily available, then you must make some. This can be done easily with a little imagination. Try positioning chairs and draping a blanket across – a bit like making a den for a child. Parasols are also good for creating shade.

Dust baths are a fantastic way for chickens to clean themselves and cool down. A simple cat litter tray filled with dry dirt or sand will do the trick. I tend to place these under the shepherd's hut so the chickens can enjoy a dust bath in the shade, and they absolutely love it!

Ventilation is also an important consideration when the weather heats up. Remember that chickens will retreat to the coop to sleep, whatever the weather; therefore, a clean, well-ventilated hen house is essential.

Offering the correct cold treats, along with their usual feed, will encourage chickens to eat even if they are a bit hot and bothered. Some excellent treats for hot days include strawberries, blueberries, melon, cucumber, lettuce, broccoli, and kale. My chickens love fresh apricots, too!