With the temps over 100* F most every day this time of year, keeping animals – including the chicken flock- cool is a big priority.

Two month old Black Javas (some with non-standard Auburn coloring) checking out the frozen watermelon.

Chickens’ normal body temperature is high, 105* – 107* F.  Chickens don’t sweat, although they do pant (like dogs), to help cool themselves.  Temperatures over 95*F make it very difficult for chickens to reduce their body temperature sufficiently to prevent illness and even death.

Black Javas enjoying their frozen treat.

Four month old Mottled Javas going after the watermelon seeds.

One way the flock cools off, from the inside out, is eating frozen watermelon.

Mottled Javas – “Aahhhh, that feels so good to our hot feet!”

There are a few chickens that don’t mind getting sticky watermelon juice on them and not just in them.  They’ve even been caught laying on the watermelon.

With this bunch, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out the chickens have watermelon seed fights when I’m not looking. 🙂