Peak Summer, Peak Flock: Setting Your Chickens Up for Success

When the summer sun’s blazing, we’re out here with iced lemonades and shaded hammocks. But your chickens? They're flapping around in full-feathered coats, baking like biscuits if you're not careful. While heatwaves get all the headlines, everyday summer brings its own set of challenges—from dehydration to predators to pesky parasites. So before your flock starts throwing you side-eye, let’s break down the real summer checklist every chicken-keeper needs.

Hydration: More Than Just a Water Bowl

We’ll say it again—hydration is not optional. In summer, water goes from important to absolutely critical. Your chickens need cool, clean water available at all times. Stale water in a sun-heated plastic bowl isn’t going to cut it. Replace water at least twice a day, and keep containers in shaded spots to prevent algae and bacteria growth.

Egg Brigade Tip: Drop a frozen water bottle into larger pans, or add ice cubes to drinkers for a flock-friendly refresh. Electrolyte powder? Even better during heat spikes.

Parasites & Pests: The Summer Surge

The warm weather is a bug bonanza. Mites, lice, flies, and even internal parasites like worms thrive in summer conditions. If left unchecked, they can wreak havoc on your flock’s health.

Watch for signs like feather loss, constant preening, or reduced appetite. Check under wings and around vents regularly.

Prevention Protocol:

• Add diatomaceous earth to dust baths and bedding
• Mix in herbal coop blends (think mint, thyme, and lavender)
• Keep bedding dry and compost droppings quickly

Your birds will thank you with smooth feathers and pest-free naps.

Keep It Clean: Summer Coop Maintenance

Let’s face it—summer stink hits different. As temperatures rise, so does ammonia buildup from droppings, making your coop ripe for illness and attracting flies faster than a dropped watermelon.

Weekly Checklist:

• Clean out droppings daily (especially under roosts)
• Replace soiled bedding weekly
• Add a scoop of Sweet PDZ or lime to control odor and moisture
• Scrub waterers and feeders regularly

A clean coop isn’t just about smell—it’s about health.

Predator Pressure is Real

Summer’s long evenings and dry conditions bring out every neighborhood prowler. Raccoons, snakes, foxes, even hawks get more aggressive when natural food sources dry up.

Security Reminders:

• Lock the coop up tight at dusk—double-check those latches
• Inspect fencing and run hardware weekly
• Consider solar motion lights near the coop
• Don’t leave scraps or feed outside overnight
• Predators love complacency—don’t give it to them.

So don’t sweat the season—get ahead of it. Your chickens will cluck their thanks.

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