Chickens can't sweat — they cool themselves by panting and spreading their wings. When the temperature climbs past what they can handle, they stop eating, stop growing, and can die. Heat stress is a silent profit-killer in Nigeria's hot seasons, and it's largely preventable.

1. Why heat hurts birds

Digesting feed generates body heat, so in hot weather birds eat less to stay cool. That means slower growth in broilers and fewer eggs in layers — even before birds show obvious distress. Fast-growing broilers and heavy layers suffer most.

2. Signs of heat stress

  • Panting with open beaks
  • Wings held away from the body
  • Reduced feed intake, increased water intake
  • Birds looking tired and weak, lying stretched out
  • Drop in egg production and thin-shelled eggs
  • Sudden deaths in extreme heat

3. Keeping birds cool

  • Shade — keep direct sun off the house and provide shaded outdoor areas.
  • Ventilation — moving air removes heat; open up the house and use fans.
  • Cool, clean water — always available; birds drink far more in heat.
  • Avoid keeping too many birds — more birds means more body heat (see broiler space requirements).

4. Feeding in hot weather

  • Feed during the cooler hours — early morning and evening.
  • Consider electrolytes (mineral salts that help birds cope with heat) in the water during heat waves, as advised by your vet.
  • Don't let feed go stale or spoiled in the heat.

5. Act fast when birds overheat

Move distressed birds to a cooler, shaded spot with air movement and cool water. In severe cases, gently mist birds or their surroundings to bring temperature down — but avoid sudden cold shock. For the full broiler picture, see our broiler production guide.

Key takeaways

  • Birds can't sweat — they pant to cool down.
  • Heat stress means less eating, less growth and fewer eggs.
  • Shade, ventilation and cool water are your main tools.
  • Feed in the cooler hours and avoid overstocking.