Keeping Chickens Safe in Extreme Heat & Cold

Heat waves in Europe, a possible super El Niño this year, and the middle of winter here in NZ — perfect timing to cover how temperature extremes actually affect your flock. Chickens struggle far more in heat than in cold, and most keepers underestimate just how dangerous a hot spell can get. In this episode you'll learn: ✅ The exact temperature ranges where chickens go from comfortable → mild heat stress → physically dangerous ✅ Why chickens can't sweat, and the only ways they have to dissipate body heat ✅ Practical heat strategies: deep shade, cool water placement, wetting the ground, misters, and coop ventilation at night ✅ Why breed matters — Mediterranean breeds (Leghorns, Minorcas) handle heat better than fluffy heavy breeds (Orpingtons) ✅ What chickens actually need in cold weather (hint: it's not warmth, it's dryness + ventilation) ✅ Frostbite risk for large-combed breeds, and how to minimize it 📬 For deeper seasonal guides and the science behind what we cover here, join the newsletter: https://newsletter.onceuponafarm.co.nz ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Why talk about temperature extremes now 1:03 Chickens can't sweat — how they dissipate heat 1:32 Signs your chickens are too hot 2:03 Temperature ranges: comfortable, mild stress, dangerous 3:49 Strategy #1: deep shade 5:16 Strategy #2: cool water placement & insulated drinkers 6:38 Strategy #3: wetting the ground & misters 8:40 Coop ventilation at night in hot weather 11:03 Breed matters: Mediterranean vs fluffy heavy breeds 12:03 Now let's talk about cold weather 12:33 The #1 rule for cold: dry + ventilated, not sealed up 15:24 Winter water: keeping drinkers from freezing 16:53 Cold-hardy breeds & frostbite risk 18:13 Plan ahead: shade, water, dry shelter 🔗 RELATED VIDEOS: • Chicken Run Furnishing Guide:    • Chicken Run Furnishing Guide | Essential E...   • Heritage Breed Chickens - Game Changer for Your Flock:    • Heritage Breed Chickens - A Game Changer f...   💬 Have you had a freak heat wave (or cold snap) catch your flock off guard? Tell me what happened below. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new backyard chicken content every Wednesday:    / @onceuponafarmnz   #BackyardChickens #ChickenCare #HeatStress #ChickenKeeping #NewZealandFarming