Sunny, Stormy, Chilly—All in a Week: Keeping Your Chickens Calm Through It All

Summer’s not what it used to be. One day it’s sweltering, the next it’s storming, and by morning, there’s a cool breeze that has your hens fluffed up like it’s October.

Weather mood swings might seem like small talk to us—but to your chickens, they’re a big deal.

So how do you keep your flock healthy, happy, and laying steady when the sky won’t make up its mind?

Let’s break it down!

Heatwave Mode: “Why is the air spicy?!”

When temps spike unexpectedly, your chickens are the first to notice.

What to do:

• Hydrate on all fronts. Refresh water twice a day, add electrolytes, and toss in some ice cubes like you’re making chicken spa water.
• Drop frozen treats. Watermelon chunks, frozen peas, or chilled cucumber slices = instant cooling.
• Shade patrol. Even if it’s temporary—tarps, umbrellas, lawn chairs, whatever works. Just make sure there’s a shady spot they can access all day.
• Vent it out. Keep the coop breezy. Clip-on fans work wonders.
• Pro tip: Keep a container of Egg Brigade’s Black Soldier Fly Larvae in the fridge for cool, protein-packed snacks that boost energy without overheating your birds.

Storm Watch: “What was that noise?!”

Fast-moving storms can go from light drizzle to horror movie in 10 minutes.

What to do:

• Secure the perimeter. Close up the coop early if rain’s in the forecast—no last-minute chases.

• Soften the sound. Use feed bags or old blankets to buffer thunder in the coop.

• Keep them inside. If free-ranging, round them up before the sky flips.

• Snack therapy. Distract with tasty bites: soft grains or warm oats mixed with BSFL calm the nerves (and digestion).

Cool Snap: “Is it Fall already?”

After all that heat, a sudden 60-degree morning can be jarring.

What to do:

• Layer the bedding. Straw or shavings help trap warmth in the coop overnight.
• Skip the frozen stuff. Keep snacks room-temp or warmed.
• Watch for puffing. If your birds look extra fluffed or lethargic, they may need more warmth—close vents and check for drafts.

Consistency is Your Superpower

Your chickens thrive on routine. So when the weather’s all over the place, you become the anchor.

• Keep feeding times consistent
• Maintain clean, dry bedding (no matter the weather)
• Stick with steady nutrition—like our protein-rich Black Soldier Fly Larvae, which support stress recovery and egg production year-round
• Observe. Chickens will show you how they’re feeling—panting, shivering, or acting off? That’s your cue to tweak the setup
  

Final Word: Flex with the Forecast

You don’t need a meteorology degree—just a solid routine, a bit of flexibility, and a snack stash.

Fluctuating weather is tough, but with the right care, your flock can handle anything the sky throws their way.

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