With herbs, you can keep your birds cool and avoid heat stress.
Now that high temperatures and high humidity are becoming the norm, keeping my flock cool during our endless summers can feel like a full-time job at times.
Many chicken keepers are unaware that chickens work harder to stay cool than they do to stay warm. The body temperature of a chicken ranges from 105 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit, with roosters having slightly higher body temperatures than hens. Chickens change their behavior to stay cool when the temperature rises above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
This behavior change is noticeable when they lift their wings away from their bodies, limit their activity to shady areas, eat less, and pant more.
Heat Stress Dangers
Heat stress in chickens can be caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when humidity is present. Because of their high metabolism, broilers are especially vulnerable to heat stress.
Heat stress can cause a decrease in egg production. It can also harm organs and have an impact on the cardiovascular system. Heat stress can weaken the immune system over time, putting birds at risk for bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Fortunately, there are many herbs and natural methods we can use to keep our birds cool during the summer.
Natural Cooling Herbs
A 2016 study published in the Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science discovered that broilers given dried peppermint powder during heat stress had lower body temperatures than the control group.
For this reason, I plant a lot of peppermint on our farm. One of the best ways to give your chickens the benefits of peppermint is to put it in their water every day. The peppermint gives the water a refreshing flavor, and your chickens will drink more if it's in there.
Other cooling herbs you can add to your chicken's water on a daily basis include lemon balm, borage, and holy basil (tulsi). You can also make a tea with these herbs and give it to your chickens in place of water once it has completely cooled.
Tumeric, Lemon Verbena, and Vitamin C
According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, adding lemon verbena and vitamin C powder to chicken feed reduced the negative effects of heat stress.
Lemon verbena is a lovely herb to grow at home, and it makes a tasty tea for you and your birds. Fresh or dried lemon verbena can be mixed into your chicken's feed, or fresh lemon verbena can be added to their daily water. The Poultry DVM recommends giving laying hens experiencing heat stress 200 mg to 500 mg of powdered vitamin C daily.
According to a 2015 study published in Tropical Animal Health and Production, dried turmeric improved stress tolerance and immune response in heat-stressed chickens. Another study, published in Veterinary and Animal Science in 2021, discovered that turmeric not only prevented and reduced stress but also decreased inflammation and stimulated growth performance in broiler chickens.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, so sprinkle 250 mg per bird into feed or water, especially on hot summer days.
Keep in mind that most chickens eat less and drink more in hot weather. This is why, rather than mixing herbs and vitamins into feed, supplementing them with water can help ensure your chickens consume enough to reap the benefits.
A lot of cool water
Chickens without access to fresh water will perish quickly in the heat. As a result, make sure your birds have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Water evaporates quickly in hot weather, and your chickens will drink more, so keep an eye on water levels throughout the day.
During the summer, I leave several extra 5-gallon buckets modified with poultry nipples out for my flock just in case they run out. So the chickens don't have to walk far to get water, I keep them in shady areas where they naturally like to rest.
Add some ice or a frozen water bottle if you're already putting fresh peppermint in your chicken's water. Drinking chilled peppermint water will help your chicken's body temperature drop and keep them hydrated.
Think about late feeding
Because food digestion raises body temperature, feeding your birds later in the day can help them stay cool. During the summer, I feed my free-range flock around 5:00 p.m.
Choose hydrating, healthy foods like fresh watermelon, cucumber, or grapes as treats during the day. You should also consider switching the hens to a higher-protein starter feed and providing free-choice oyster shells to meet their calcium needs. Because many chickens eat less during the summer, switching to a starter feed can help ensure they get enough protein even if they eat less.
Popsicles for Poultry
Consider how refreshing it is to enjoy a bowl of ice cream on a hot summer day. Your chickens will feel the same way if you give them healthy frozen treats like bananas, grapes, blueberries, sweet peas, and other mixed vegetables. It keeps them cool and is a refreshing snack on a hot day.
Another option is to use fresh fruit and vegetables in a Bundt pan. Fill the Bundt pan halfway with water and freeze it. When it's completely frozen, place it outside for your chickens to peck at. You can also freeze low-sodium canned vegetables in muffin tins for a quick treat.
Their Own Shade
If your chickens are confined to a run during the day, make sure they have a shady place to stand at all times. Also, ensure that the shady area is large enough to accommodate your entire flock.
Tarps, curtains, a tin roof, a shade sail, or trimmed tree branches can provide shade for your run. You can also create shade by planting trees, tall grasses, or bushes around the perimeter of the run. Whatever strategies you choose to keep your chickens cool, they will appreciate them.
In conclusion
The use of heat-resistant herbs in poultry production can greatly benefit both the health and productivity of the birds. These herbs offer natural solutions to combat the challenges posed by high temperatures and help maintain a comfortable and stress-free environment for the poultry.
By incorporating heat-resistant herbs such as oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the diet of poultry, farmers can enhance their immune systems, improve digestion, and promote overall well-being.
These herbs possess powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which not only support the birds' health but also aid in the prevention of diseases that can arise due to heat stress.
Furthermore, the inclusion of these herbs in poultry feed can also enhance the quality of the meat. The natural compounds present in these herbs contribute to the flavor and aroma of the meat, making it more appealing to consumers.
This can potentially lead to increased market demand and higher profitability for poultry farmers.
To keep the poultry cool during hot weather, it is essential to provide adequate ventilation and shade in their housing facilities. Implementing cooling systems such as fans, evaporative cooling pads, and misters can help regulate the temperature and maintain a comfortable environment for the birds.
Additionally, ensuring a constant supply of fresh and clean water is crucial to preventing dehydration and heat stress.
Regular monitoring of temperature and humidity levels within the poultry houses is also necessary.
This allows farmers to take prompt action in case of any fluctuations and make necessary adjustments to maintain optimal conditions for the birds.
The use of heat-resistant herbs in poultry production, coupled with proper cooling strategies, can significantly improve the well-being and performance of poultry in hot climates.
By harnessing the power of nature and employing practical management practices, farmers can create a more sustainable and efficient poultry production system that can withstand the challenges posed by heat stress.
Ultimately, this benefits both the poultry industry and consumers, who can enjoy healthier and more flavorful poultry products.
After all, your chickens are wearing down coats on the hottest summer day, so providing cool water, frozen treats, and plenty of shade will definitely make a difference!
