Feeding Tips for Egg-laying Chickens in Summer

In summer, the weather is extremely hot, not only unbearable for humans but also for animals. For chicken breeders, egg-laying chickens are prone to a decrease in appetite and reduced feed intake. Here are some feeding tips for egg-laying chickens in summer:

1. Increase Protein Feed Appropriately: Due to heat stress, chickens tend to reduce their feed intake significantly. If the diet lacks essential nutrients, it cannot meet the needs of chicken growth and egg production. Insufficient protein in the diet directly affects egg production. Therefore, the protein content in the summer diet should be 1%-2% higher than other seasons. This can be achieved by adding feed ingredients such as soybean meal or cottonseed meal, with a dosage of 20%-25%. Additionally, animal protein feed such as fish meal, blood meal, or fish and shrimp by-products can constitute 5%-7% of the feed. Feeding egg-laying chickens in summer should follow the principle of "three increases and one decrease."

2. Adjust Mineral Feed Appropriately: Most egg-laying chickens are in the peak or late stage of egg production during summer. Therefore, the demand for calcium in the diet increases. The calcium-phosphorus ratio in the diet should be adjusted appropriately, with the calcium content in the formulated feed adjusted to 3.8%. Excessive calcium content in the formulated feed may affect palatability. Separate calcium supplements from the feed, feed them in single troughs, and allow chickens to feed freely to meet their needs.

3. Include Green Forage and Heat Stress Reducers: Adding some juicy green forage to the chicken feed in summer can reduce the need for various vitamins and improve feed palatability. Adding green forage can also save on some formulated feed and reduce chicken farming costs. The amount of green forage should be appropriate, generally not exceeding 30% of the diet. Additionally, some heat stress reducers such as vitamin C and baking soda can be added to the feed to reduce the impact of high temperatures on egg-laying chickens. Feeding egg-laying chickens in summer should follow the principle of "three increases and one decrease."

4. Reduce Energy Feed Appropriately: In summer, the high temperatures require much less energy for chickens to maintain their body temperature compared to colder seasons. Therefore, the amount of energy-rich feed such as corn and sorghum in the summer chicken diet should be reduced appropriately, generally not exceeding 5%. At the same time, some low-energy coarse feed such as bran can be added, generally not exceeding 20% of the diet. Overall, to ensure the egg production of egg-laying chickens, everyone can refer to the above principles when feeding them.

During the hot summer months, maintaining the health and productivity of egg-laying chickens becomes essential for poultry farmers. Here are some additional tips to ensure optimal care:

• Provide Adequate Ventilation: Ensure that the chicken coop has proper ventilation to prevent heat stress. Adequate airflow helps regulate the temperature inside the coop and prevents the buildup of harmful gases.

• Offer Cool Water: Keep fresh, cool water available at all times to help chickens stay hydrated. Consider adding electrolytes to the water to replenish lost minerals due to heat stress.

• Provide Shade: Create shaded areas in the chicken run or coop using tarps or natural foliage to protect chickens from direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.

• Monitor Health: Regularly inspect chickens for signs of heat stress, such as panting, lethargy, or droopy wings. Seek veterinary care if any chickens show symptoms of illness or distress.

Further Tips for Summer Chicken Care

Summer brings unique challenges for chicken care, but with the right strategies, you can ensure your flock stays healthy and productive:

1. Provide Ample Shade and Ventilation:

Ensure your chicken coop or run has plenty of shade to protect the birds from direct sunlight. Additionally, proper ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating. Consider installing fans or vents to promote airflow.

2. Offer Cool Treats:

Provide frozen treats such as chilled fruits or vegetables to help chickens cool down during hot days. Watermelon, cucumbers, and frozen berries are popular options that chickens enjoy.

3. Maintain Clean Water Sources:

Ensure your chickens have access to clean, fresh water at all times. Consider adding electrolytes or apple cider vinegar to their water to help them stay hydrated and maintain electrolyte balance.

4. Monitor for Signs of Heat Stress:

Watch for signs of heat stress in your chickens, such as panting, lethargy, or holding their wings away from their bodies. If you notice any symptoms, take immediate action to cool them down and provide relief.

5. Adjust Feeding Schedule:

During extremely hot weather, consider adjusting your chickens' feeding schedule to early morning and late evening when temperatures are cooler. This can help reduce heat stress and encourage better feed intake.

6. Provide Dust Bath Areas:

Offer designated dust bath areas filled with fine sand or diatomaceous earth to help chickens maintain proper feather hygiene and control external parasites, which can be more prevalent in warm weather.

7. Implement Biosecurity Measures:

Summer can bring increased risks of disease transmission among chickens. Practice good biosecurity by limiting exposure to outside birds, disinfecting equipment regularly, and monitoring for signs of illness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can I tell if my chickens are overheated?

Signs of heat stress in chickens include panting, holding wings away from the body, lethargy, and reduced egg production. Provide shade, cool water, and proper ventilation to help them cool down.

2. Can chickens get sunburned?

Yes, chickens can get sunburned, especially those with light-colored feathers or sparse feathering. Provide ample shade and access to shelter during peak sunlight hours to prevent sunburn.

3. Is it safe to use misters or sprinklers to cool chickens?

Misters or sprinklers can be effective in cooling chickens, but ensure they are used safely to prevent excessive moisture buildup in the coop, which can lead to humidity-related health issues and respiratory problems.

4. What are some signs of dehydration in chickens?

Signs of dehydration in chickens include lethargy, sunken eyes, dry or pale combs and wattles, and reduced egg production. Ensure chickens have access to clean, fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration.

5. Can I add ice to my chickens' water during hot weather?

Adding ice to chickens' water can help cool it down, but be cautious not to chill the water too much, as extremely cold water can shock the birds. Monitor the temperature of the water and adjust accordingly.