Why do chicken die so easily in the heat?

Chickens are relatively heat tolerant compared to many other animals, able to survive in temperatures as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature spikes over 109 degrees Fahrenheit, chickens cannot cool down fast enough and are at risk of heat stress, which can lead to death.

Some of the reasons why chickens die so easily in the heat include:

- Chickens have a high body temperature, typically between 105 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit. When the outside temperature is high, chickens have difficulty regulating their body temperature and can quickly become overheated.

- Chickens have a large surface area, which allows them to lose heat quickly. However, in hot weather, this can also work against them, as they can lose too much heat and become chilled.

- Chickens do not have sweat glands, so they cannot cool down by sweating. Instead, they must rely on panting and fluffing their feathers to cool down.

- Chickens are often housed in close quarters, which can make it difficult for them to circulate air and cool down.

- Chickens are often given food that is high in protein, which can also contribute to heat stress.

There are a number of things you can do to help your chickens stay cool and healthy in the summer:

- Provide plenty of fresh, cool water.

- Place a shallow pan of water in the chicken coop so they can take a bath and cool down.

- Hang wet towels or sheets in the chicken coop.

- Provide shade with trees, tarps, or shade cloth.

- Increase ventilation in the chicken coop.

- Feed chickens a diet that is low in protein.

- Avoid handling chickens unnecessarily, as this can stress them out and make them more susceptible to heat stress.

By taking these precautions, you can help keep your chickens safe during hot weather.