How to Feed Chickens in Summer: What to Avoid, What to Give, and How to Support Egg Production

When summer hits, most chicken keepers focus on shade and water. But what your flock eats during hot weather can make a big difference too—especially when it comes to egg production.

If your hens have started laying less, or seem more sluggish than usual, they may be showing early signs of heat stress. And while you can’t control the temperature, you can support your flock through smart feeding, hydration, and coop management.

Here’s how we do it on our farm.

✅ Keep Feed Nutrient-Dense

In hot weather, chickens often eat less—but their nutrient needs don’t drop. That means every bite needs to count. We stick with a high-quality layer feed that includes plenty of protein and calcium to support strong eggshells and steady production.

Avoid overloading with low-nutrient treats, especially during heat waves.

And while it may be tempting to toss corn into the run as a quick snack—hold off during summer. Corn increases a chicken’s metabolism, which raises their body temperature. That’s great in the winter, but in hot months, it can actually make heat stress worse.

✅ Cool, Clean Water—All Day Long

Hydration is key in hot weather. We refresh waterers multiple times a day and drop in frozen water bottles or ice cubes when the temps get especially high. Chickens are more likely to drink when the water is cool.

To support hydration and recovery, we also add a supplement like Flock Fixer. It’s packed with electrolytes, probiotics, and vitamins that help chickens stay strong through heat stress, transport, or seasonal changes.

Bonus: We mix it right into our clucksicles for a frozen treat that is actually healthy.

👉 Get the free clucksicle recipe card here

✅ Use Frozen Treats Wisely

Frozen fruit and veggie scraps are a great way to help your flock stay cool—but moderation is key.

Treats should stay under 10% of their daily intake, especially during summer, so they don’t dilute the nutrients your flock really needs. We freeze watermelon, cucumbers, and squash to offer them during the hottest part of the day—always alongside clean water and regular feed.

✅ Encourage Dust Bathing (Especially in Shade)

Dust baths help chickens regulate their temperature, keep cool, and prevent parasites. If your flock doesn’t already have a spot, create one using dry soil or sand—and try to keep it in the shade. Chickens instinctively know how to use it.

✅ Position Coops with Shade and Airflow in Mind

If you’re using a mobile coop, position it to take advantage of natural afternoon shade. Even a few degrees cooler can reduce stress and help birds stay active and consistent.

If you’re in a fixed setup, make sure your coop has plenty of ventilation—especially up high—to prevent trapped heat.

✅ Want to Support Flock Health Naturally?

We also use herbs in our coop and garden to help boost the flock’s immune system and discourage pests. From fresh oregano to marigolds grown right alongside the herbs, we’ve seen great results with small, natural additions.

👉 Read more in our post on herbs for chickens

Final Thoughts

Heat stress doesn’t always look dramatic—but it has a real impact on egg production, flock health, and daily behavior. With a few smart adjustments to feeding and hydration, you can help your flock stay comfortable and productive all summer long.

Stay cool—and keep those eggs coming!

See you on the farm,

— Natalie
Cotton River Farm