Provide ample shade in the run (summer)

Ensure the chicken run has shaded areas covering at least half the space during peak sun hours. Use shade cloth (50-70% density), tarps, solid roofing over part of the run, or plant shrubs and trees around the perimeter. Chickens cannot sweat and rely on panting and shade-seeking behavior to regulate body temperature.

Why It Works

Direct sun can raise ground temperature 20-30°F above air temperature. Chickens begin showing heat stress above 85°F (29°C) and can die from heat stroke above 104°F (40°C) body temperature. Shade reduces the effective heat load dramatically and gives birds a cool zone to retreat to.

Tips

• Track the sun's path through the day to ensure shade covers the run during the hottest afternoon hours
• Shade cloth is cheap, easy to install, and lets air flow through unlike solid tarps
• Dust bath areas in the shade serve double duty — cool dirt and parasite prevention