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.
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. To learn more, here is a great article on heat stress.
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 are another great way to keep your chickens cool in the summer. They not only prevent overheating but also provide entertainment to prevent boredom.
As a fun, healthy treat, I’ve whipped up these frozen treats with Flock Fixer™. The girls literally “flock” to it and can’t get enough. What is Flock Fixer you may ask? Flock Fixer is a product from Strong Animals Chicken Essentials that we give to our flock in times of stress.
Flock Fixer contains electrolytes for rehydration, vitamins, prebiotics and probiotics, and organic essential oils to keep your flock hydrated and healthy. It is also so simple to mix up! You can follow the directions on the package or follow our recipes below to make frozen treats.
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!