July has arrived at Faithful Flock Farm with a warmth that is hard to ignore. The air is thick, the sun is bright, and the grass in the pasture is soaking up every bit of light it can get. On days like these, we find ourselves moving a little slower and drinking a few more fruit smoothies than usual. We aren't the only ones feeling the heat, as our hens are also working hard to stay comfortable in this intense July weather.
Keeping a flock healthy during a heatwave is one of the most important parts of our daily stewardship. We believe that caring for these animals is a quiet, daily trust, and that means being attentive to their needs when the temperature climbs. Since chickens cannot sweat like we do, they rely on us to provide the right environment for them to stay cool.
We wanted to share five practical, simple ways we are keeping our birds safe and happy right now. These methods don't require fancy equipment or air conditioning, but they do require a bit of time and a lot of heart.
1. The Gift of Cold Water and Ice
The most important thing we do during a heatwave is focus on hydration. Chickens will naturally drink more when the water is cool and fresh. If the water in their drinkers gets too warm from the sun, they may stop drinking altogether, which can lead to heat stress very quickly.
Every morning, and again in the middle of the afternoon, we head out to the coops with buckets of fresh water and plenty of ice. We add large ice blocks to our waterers because they melt slowly and keep the water chilled for hours. We also set out shallow pans, which we like to call "chicken pools," in the shaded areas of the run.
Watching a hen step into a cool pan of water to soak her feet is a joy. Chickens lose heat through their feet and their combs, so having a place to stand in cool water helps lower their internal body temperature almost instantly. It is a simple gesture of care that makes a world of difference for a panting hen.
2. Nature’s Coolers: Herbs in the Nesting Box
Mama recently picked up a wonderful variety of fresh herbs for the farm. While we love using them in our own kitchen, they serve a very special purpose in the coops during the summer months. Certain herbs have natural cooling properties that help the hens feel more comfortable while they are laying their eggs.
We have been tucking sprigs of peppermint, basil, and lemon balm into the nesting boxes. Peppermint is especially helpful because it contains menthol, which naturally triggers a cooling sensation. It also helps to repel flies and other pests that tend to be more active in the heat.
The scent of fresh herbs creates a peaceful, fragrant environment in the coop. It is a small, wholesome way to practice stewardship, using what the earth provides to care for our flock. We find that the hens seem calmer when their nesting areas are fresh and aromatic, even when the thermometer is rising.
3. The Early Bird Schedule
In this heat, we have shifted our entire farm schedule to match the rhythm of the sun. We are up at dawn to let the girls out for their daily foraging. The early morning air is the only time it feels truly crisp, and the hens are most active during these first few hours of light.
They spend their mornings scratching through the grass and finding bugs before the sun reaches its peak. By noon, the heat becomes too intense for much activity. We make sure they have had plenty of time to explore and eat before the midday sun arrives.
Once the clock hits twelve, we encourage the flock to settle down. We have noticed that if they forage too late in the day, they exert too much energy and struggle to cool back down. By prioritizing their activity in the early hours, we ensure they get the exercise and nutrition they need without the risk of overheating.
4. Seeking the Deep Shade
Shade is a sanctuary on a July afternoon. We are constantly looking for ways to provide more shadows for our birds to rest in. One of our most effective strategies is simply moving our mobile coops to where the trees are thickest.
We recently moved Mama Esther’s coop to the very edge of the woods. This spot provides deep, natural shade for most of the day, especially during the punishing afternoon hours. We also use a special trick we learned from Grandpa and Joey. They used a large greenhouse tarp to create a portable "shade tent" that we can move around as needed.
Relocating the coops, like our JS Coop, ensures that the ground beneath the hens is always fresh and cool. When the earth is shaded, it stays much cooler than the open pasture, and the hens love to dig small "dust baths" in the cool dirt to help regulate their temperature. It is a team effort to keep everyone moved to the best spots, but it is worth every bit of labor. You can read more about how we handle moving day at the farm to see how we prioritize their comfort.
5. The Sacred Rhythm of Rest
Finally, we have learned that sometimes the best thing we can do is simply let the flock rest. During the peak heat of the afternoon, you will often see our hens standing still with their wings held slightly away from their bodies. They are not being lazy, they are actually working very hard to stay cool.
We avoid disturbing them during these hours. We don't try to hand-feed treats or move them around unless it is absolutely necessary. This is a time for quiet and stillness. Even Joey is getting the rest of the week off because the heat is just too much for heavy labor right now. We believe that rest is a necessary part of the cycle of life on the farm.
Our dogs, Milo (the white Maltese) and Panda Bear (the black-and-white Shih Tzu), follow this same rhythm. They spend their afternoons on the cool kitchen floor or in the shade of the porch, keeping a watchful but sleepy eye on the farm. We all take a cue from the animals and embrace the slower pace that the summer demands.
A Small Note of Gratitude
As we navigate this hot July, we are constantly reminded of how grateful we are for this life. Farming isn't always about the big harvests or flashy updates. Often, it is about these quiet moments of daily care, like carrying ice to a thirsty hen or finding a new patch of shade.
We are so thankful for our local community who supports us and values the care we put into every egg. Whether you are looking for brown, white, or green eggs, please know they come from hens that are loved and looked after, even in the hottest weather.
If you are a fellow backyard flock owner, we hope these tips help you and your birds stay cool. We would love to hear from you if you have your own favorite ways to beat the heat. Please feel free to reach out or visit us at www.faithfulflockfarm.com to learn more about our faith-based approach to farming.
Stay cool, stay hydrated, and may your summer be filled with peace and quiet trust.
"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." ( Psalm 27:14 🤍)
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