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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/chick-heat-vs-cold

Above about what air temperature do chickens start to feel heat stress?

Above about 75 degrees F.

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  1. About 75 degrees F ✔
  2. About 100 degrees F
  3. About 120 degrees F

Why: A chicken's body runs hot, about 105 to 109 degrees F, and it cannot sweat. The Merck manual says heat stress starts above about 75 F.

Huh, didn't know that: Chickens are most comfortable at about 65 to 75 degrees F, Merck says.

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Why did the chicken carry ice cubes? She was hot under the feathers.
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References

Answer: About 75 degrees F. A chicken's body runs hot, about 105 to 109 degrees F, and it cannot sweat. The Merck manual says heat stress starts above about 75 F.

  1. Merck Veterinary Manual: Management of Backyard Poultry www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/backyard-poultry/management-of-backyard-poultry
    Chickens have a body temperature of 40-43°C (105-109°F) and start to feel heat stress at environmental temperatures > 23.8°C (75°F).
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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