Operation Coop Chill: Keeping Your Flock Cool During a Heatwave

Heatwave Protocol: How to Keep Your Chickens Cool When the Sun’s on a Rampage

Summer’s cranking up the heat, and while we might be sweating it out with iced tea and shady spots, your chickens are flapping around in full-feathered coats like it’s January. Heatwaves can be stressful—even dangerous—for your flock, so it’s time to launch Operation Cool Coop.

Here’s the lowdown y’all:

When It’s Too Hot for the Hens

Chickens can’t sweat like we do. Their main strategy? Panting, spreading their wings, and giving you that “really?” look while standing in the shade. Once temps climb above 85°F, your birds start to feel it. Above 95°F? That’s when things get serious.

Look out for these signs of heat stress:

• Excessive panting and open-beak breathing
• Lethargy or drooping wings
• Pale combs and wattles
• Decreased egg production (or no eggs at all)

Now’s not the time for guesswork—it’s time for action.

Mission Briefing: Beat the Heat

Just like we’d never send our troops into battle without water and supplies, your flock needs support to survive the summer blaze.

Hydration Station – Water is priority #1. Keep it clean, cool, and everywhere. Multiple water sources = less competition. Add some ice cubes for a refreshingly fancy touch. Electrolytes or apple cider vinegar? Bonus points.

Shady Business – Whether it’s a tarp, tree, umbrella, or a budget-friendly beach cabana, your chickens need shade to retreat from the sun. If you can stand in their run at noon without breaking a sweat—you’ve done your job.

Dust Bath Defense – A dry patch of dirt mixed with a little wood ash or diatomaceous earth gives your birds a way to self-regulate their temp and control mites. It’s like a chicken spa day, every day.

Cool Snacks, No Drama – Frozen peas, watermelon chunks, or chilled cucumber slices mixed with your Soldier Fly larvae? Yes, please. Just avoid sugary treats or anything salty—they’re already under pressure, and junk food’s not gonna help.

Ventilation Overhaul – Stale air is the enemy. Make sure your coop has good airflow (think cross-breeze or small fans—yes, chickens love a little breeze, too). Keep bedding dry to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Shell Shock: Why Egg Production May Drop

You might notice your girls going AWOL on egg duty. That’s totally normal. When it's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk, the last thing a hen wants to do is produce one from scratch.

Stay calm and keep conditions ideal. Once things cool down, they’ll be back in formation. Continuing to feed them their regular dose of Soldier Fly larvae will also maintain their nutritional advantage to keep production rolling along.

Final Orders: Stay Ready, Stay Cool

A heatwave isn’t just uncomfortable—it can turn into a real crisis for your coop. But with a little planning and a lot of love, your flock will make it through like champs.

Remember:

• Water first, snacks second.
• Shade everywhere, breeze if possible.
• Egg drop? Don’t panic.

And if you're looking to support your birds with something extra, Egg Brigade’s Black Soldier Fly Larvae are built to help flocks stay strong, hydrated, and nutritionally sound when summer turns savage.

Stay frosty, chicken crew. You’ve got this.

Sign up for our newsletter to keep getting expert tips, cool-weather prep, and seasonal care advice—delivered straight from the coop to your inbox.