Hey everyone! If you live in the upper Midwest like I do, you understand my need to not complain about the heat after our very long, cold winter! Even though I love the heat, my girls aren’t necessarily sharing my love.
The Dangers of Heat Stress in Chickens
Heat stress in chickens can be very dangerous and even deadly to your birds! The loss of electrolytes in the heat can be a silent killer because it is not something you can see. Just like humans, chickens need electrolytes to remain healthy. Depletion of electrolytes can lead to kidney malfunction, a weakened immune system, and respiratory disease, and can create soft-shelled eggs because it depletes calcium stores.
Keeping Your Flock Cool in Hot Weather
Since we’ve already had a couple of 90-degree days, we needed to prepare the girls for warmer temperatures. We have shade available when they’re outside and good ventilation in their coop. I also make sure their water stays cool by providing fresh water often. Extreme heat and chickens don’t mix very well. Be sure to check on your flocks frequently when the heat and humidity are high.
Frozen Treats: A Fun Way to Keep Chickens Cool
One great way to help your chickens beat the heat is with frozen treats. Not only do they help prevent overheating, but they also give your flock some entertainment to combat boredom. Plus, it’s fun to watch them enjoy these healthy, refreshing snacks!
Flock Fixer™: The Secret Ingredient
For a healthy boost, I make my frozen treats using Flock Fixer™ from Strong Animals Chicken Essentials. Flock Fixer contains electrolytes, vitamins, prebiotics, probiotics and organic essential oils—everything your chickens need to stay hydrated and healthy during stressful times, like the heat of summer!
Now, let’s get to the fun part—frozen treat recipes! These treats are super easy to make and perfect for your flock on hot summer days.
Flock Fixer Frozen Treat Recipes
Summer Fusion
Chop and add 1 cup of each item to a 2.5-quart glass bowl.
Apple
Pineapple
Orange Pepper
Strawberries
Spinach
Next, add 3 tsp of Flock Fixer and 3 ¾ cups of water. Mix thoroughly and freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight. Once it’s frozen, run the bowl under warm water to loosen the treat. Then, it’s ready for your chickens to enjoy!
Berry Banana Burst
Chop and add 1 cup of each item to a 2.5-quart glass bowl.
Raspberries
Black berries
Banana
Carrots
Green Pepper
Next, add 3 tsp of Flock Fixer and 3 ¾ cups of water. Mix thoroughly and freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight. Once it’s frozen, run the bowl under warm water to loosen the treat. Then, it’s ready for your chickens to enjoy!
Greensicle
Chop and add 1 cup of each item to a 2.5-quart glass bowl.
Peas
Kiwi
Yellow Pepper
Peaches
Tomatoes
Next, add 3 tsp of Flock Fixer and 3 ¾ cups of water. Mix thoroughly and freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight. Once it’s frozen, run the bowl under warm water to loosen the treat. Then, it’s ready for your chickens to enjoy!
Sunrise Sunset
Chop and add 1 cup of each item to a 2.5-quart glass bowl.
Corn
Red Pepper
Mango
Blueberries
Cucumber
Next, add 3 tsp of Flock Fixer and 3 ¾ cups of water. Mix thoroughly and freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight. Once it’s frozen, run the bowl under warm water to loosen the treat. Then, it’s ready for your chickens to enjoy!
Veggie Delight
Chop and add 1 cup of each item to a 2.5-quart glass bowl.
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Zucchini
Yellow Squash
Papaya
Next, add 3 tsp of Flock Fixer and 3 ¾ cups of water. Mix thoroughly and freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight. Once it’s frozen, run the bowl under warm water to loosen the treat. Then, it’s ready for your chickens to enjoy!
With these simple, nutritious recipes, you’ll keep your chickens cool, healthy, and happy all summer long. Give them a try, and watch your flock "flock" to these frozen treats!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady
Flock Fixer - Hydrate & Restore Health During Times of Challenge
You can’t always see it, but your flock will experience a weakened immune system during times of challenge. Flock Fixer is a vitamin-rich additive that helps hydrate, restore vital nutrients and balance digestive health.