Is Your Chicken Too Hot?

Do Chickens Need Sunlight? Yes, They Love It! But They Can Overheat

Just like people, chickens need sunlight to stay happy and healthy. Sunlight helps chickens make vitamin D, which is important for strong bones and good egg laying. If your chickens get enough natural light, they’ll be healthier and may lay more eggs!

Does Sunlight Help Chickens Lay Eggs?

Yes! Chickens use the amount of light in a day to know when to lay eggs. Hens usually need around 14 to 16 hours of light every day to keep laying regularly. In the winter, when the days are shorter, they might lay fewer eggs. You can add a light inside the coop if needed, but natural sunlight is always best!

How Much Sun Is Too Much?

Chickens enjoy sunshine, but they don’t like too much heat. If it’s over 85°F (29°C), chickens can start feeling stressed. If it’s over 95°F (35°C), they can get very sick from heatstroke. That’s why it’s super important to give them shade and cool water on hot days.

What Happens If Chickens Get Too Hot?

When chickens get too hot, it can be dangerous. Here are signs to watch for: 

• Panting or breathing with their beaks open

• Holding their wings out from their bodies

• Lethargy (they seem tired or weak)

• Less eating or drinking

• Pale combs or wattles

• Wobbly walking or not moving much

If you see these signs, help your chickens cool down right away. Move them to shade, give them cool (not icy) water, and try using a fan or mister.

How to Keep Chickens Cool in the Heat

Here are some simple ways to help your chickens stay cool in the summer: Provide lots of shade – Trees, tarps, or a roof over their run can help. Use frozen treats – Freeze berries or veggies in water for a cool snack. Add a fan to the coop – Just make sure it’s safe from rain and feathers! Keep the water fresh and cool – Chickens drink more when it’s hot. Use misters or wet down shady areas – This helps cool the air around them.

Do Chickens Use Dust Baths to Cool Down?

Chickens don’t use dust baths specifically to cool down, but dust baths can help regulate their body temperature in hot weather. 

Here’s how it works:

• Dust baths are primarily for cleaning — chickens roll in dry dirt or sand to remove mites, parasites, and excess oil.

• But when it’s hot, digging into cool, shaded soil can feel refreshing and help them release body heat through their legs and skin. The chicken version of a human mud bath.

• The act of lying in loose dirt helps chickens stay cooler than standing on hot ground.

So while not a direct cooling method, dust baths in cool, shaded spots can absolutely help chickens feel more comfortable on hot days.

✅ Tip: Place your dust bath in the shade and keep the soil loose and dry. You can even lightly mist the dirt early in the morning — not muddy, just enough to hold coolness.

Sunshine Is Part of a Happy Chicken Life

Sunlight helps chickens feel good, lay better eggs, and stay strong. Just remember to protect them from too much heat and always give them cool water and shade when it’s hot out. Watch for signs of overheating so you can help them right away. Happy hens lay the best eggs!