Why heat puts chickens under additional strain
As the ambient temperature rises, chickens breathe more rapidly and pant with an open beak. Evaporation through the beak and airways helps them lose body heat. This requires energy and prolonged heat may disrupt their physiological balance.
During hot periods chickens often eat less and drink more. Body condition, growth, egg production and shell quality may therefore decline. High humidity increases the risk because evaporation provides less effective cooling.
Signs of heat stress
- Panting with an open beak and a clearly increased breathing rate.
- Lethargic or weak behaviour and reduced response to the surroundings.
- Reduced feed intake and increased water consumption.
- A fall in egg production or eggs with thinner shells.
- Loss of condition or unexpected mortality under severe strain.
Measures during hot weather
- 01Check ventilation and provide sufficient air movement in the housing. Ensure air inlets and fans are unobstructed and reliable.
- 02Provide ample fresh, clean and cool drinking water throughout the day. Check pipes, drinkers and water intake more frequently than usual.
- 03Feed during the cooler hours at the beginning and end of the day where possible, so heat generated by feeding does not coincide with the highest temperature.
- 04Observe the animals several times a day and record changes in water intake, feed intake, production and behaviour.
Prepare these measures before a hot period starts. Checking ventilation, emergency systems and water supplies in cooler conditions prevents technical problems from becoming apparent only during acute heat.
When expert assistance is needed
Contact a veterinarian immediately in the event of persistent panting, apathy, balance problems, rapid loss of condition or increased mortality. Have any feed or drinking-water additives assessed for their suitability and follow only current directions for use.
01Why do chickens pant in hot weather?
Chickens do not have sweat glands. By breathing more rapidly with an open beak, they evaporate moisture from the beak and airways and release heat.
02Why is clean drinking water especially important?
Water intake increases in hot weather. An inadequate supply, contaminated line or inaccessible drinker can therefore increase the strain very quickly.