With summer finally here and temperatures climbing, it is important to remember that chickens and roosters may need some special attention during warm weather. With body temperatures running higher than humans, hens tend to feel the warm weather temperature increases before we do. A mature chicken starts to panting when temperatures reach 85F. Water is essential to the health and survival of hens, particularly in the warm weather. Remember that, as a general rule, hens drink twice as much water as the feed they consume. Chicken coops and hen houses need to have good ventilation and lots of predator proof windows that can be opened for air circulation. Always ensure your coop is kept clean. The birds combs and waddles are very susceptible to sunburn so they need a place of shade during the warm weather.  Happy Tuesday!