How to Keep Chickens (and goats) Cool in the Summer Heat

If you’ve ever spent a July afternoon in the Georgia sun, you know how hot and sticky it gets — and let me tell you, our animals feel it too, especially this past week with temps close to 100 degrees. Over the years, we’ve learned a few tricks on how to keep chickens cool in the summer heat. This will help to keep everyone safe, cool, and happy during the dog days of summer.

three goats in the summer heat under trees

Here’s how we handle the heat with our chickens and goats in the summer.

How to Keep Chickens Cool in the Summer Heat

💦 1. Provide Fresh, Cool Water — Constantly

This one sounds obvious, but it’s the most important. Both goats and chickens need access to clean, cool water at all times.

For the chickens, I toss frozen fruit and ice cubes into their water — it’s like a spa day and snack all in one.
The goats? They get a big tub that I refill twice a day, and on extra hot days, I add ice throughout the day. Goats can be picky, and they won’t drink warm, murky water…. but who does??

💡 Tip: Use shaded waterers or add frozen water bottles to keep temps down.

🌳 2. Shade is Everything

Even with the best barn setup, our animals still prefer natural shade.

We built their runs around shady trees — and now those shady spots are prime real estate.
We also hung a sun sail using tarps to create an extra shady hideout. Not the prettiest thing to look at, but it certainly does the job to keep them cooler.

white chicken laying in dirt bath to keep cool in summer

The chickens dig little dirt craters under the trees and around the coop, which they love. This helps to keep them cool.

❄️ 3. Frozen Treats & Cool Snacks

A hot chicken is a cranky chicken. And goats, much the same.

Chickens get frozen fruit and veggie scraps in their feed and water.
Goats love everything especially frozen watermelon rinds and chilled cucumbers.

chicken drinking water with ice cube and frozen watermelon on a hot summer day

Not only do treats cool them down, they also keep them occupied during the laziest hours of the day.

🚿 4. Misting and Soaking

We don’t do full baths since the chickens and goats are not fans of getting wet — but we do have other options.

A gentle misting hose near the chicken run gives them the option to walk through it, although chickens don’t really like to get wet.
The goats? We soak a towel and drape it over the gate — they may rub against it.

🐐 5. Know the Signs of Overheating

Always watch for signs of heat stress:

Panting, drooping, sluggishness
Pale combs (red outgrowth on top of its head) or wobbly legs
Reduced appetite or not moving much

If you see these signs, get them to a shady, cooler area immediately and offer water. It can happen fast in the heat.

Final Thoughts

Caring for any animal in the summer means being present, prepared, and paying attention. Around Duke Manor Farm, we try to build our day around keeping our animals comfortable in hot and cold seasons.

Summer on a farm can be brutal, but it’s also beautiful — watching goats stretch in the shade, or hens dust bathing reminds me why we love this lifestyle.