Placing an industrial strength fan or drum fan in your hen house and in yards or runs can improve egg production and overall chicken health during summer months when the heat index is higher than 90 degrees F by reducing the amount of heat related stress, breathing problems, and illness on your birds. When chickens become overheated they undergo stress and as any experienced chicken rancher knows a stressed hen will lay  fewer eggs. If your chickens are panting with their mouth open it usually means they are under stress. Stressed chickens eat less, produce less, are more susceptible to illness, and can even die from being over heated for too long. Think of how warm a down filled coat feels-try wearing one on a hot summer day and you will know how your chickens feel. In the summer chickens need shady places to hang out.  They love to take a good dirt bath in the sun and can withstand hot temperatures to some extent as long as they have a shady place to go cool off and have access to fresh cool water to drink. ​

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