Raising chickens in the summer heat can be challenging, especially when it starts to affect egg production.

When temperatures rise, your hens can experience heat stress, which can cause them to slow or even stop laying altogether.

Fortunately, there are natural ways to support your flock through the heat and keep those eggs coming. One of the most effective and holistic tools you can use? Cooling Herbs.

As someone who has raised chickens for over 25 years, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful a few handfuls of the right herbs can be—not just for egg production, but for overall flock health.

In this article, we’ll cover why hens stop laying during hot weather, which herbs can help, and exactly how to use them.

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Why Does Hot Weather Affect Egg Production?

When temperatures soar above 85°F (29°C), chickens begin to show signs of heat stress. Instead of using their energy to lay eggs, they redirect it toward regulating their body temperature. This can result in:

• Decreased appetite (which means fewer nutrients for laying)
• Panting or spreading wings to cool off
• Lethargy or low activity
• Fewer or no eggs

Additionally, extreme heat can dehydrate your hens, throw off hormone levels, and create stress that suppresses reproductive function. That’s why it’s so important to support them naturally through both hydration and cooling.

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Herbs That Help Chickens Stay Cool and Lay Eggs

The key to supporting egg production in the heat is helping hens stay cool, calm, and hydrated. Here are five herbs that do just that:

1. Peppermint

Peppermint has natural cooling properties and is known to help reduce body heat. It also acts as a natural insect repellent and digestive aid.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile has calming effects that help reduce stress in your flock. A relaxed hen is much more likely to keep laying eggs, even in stressful conditions.

3. Hibiscus

Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants and supports hydration. It adds a vitamin C boost to help hens recover from heat stress.

4. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is another soothing herb with mild sedative effects that can ease nervous or overheated chickens.

5. Rose Petals & Buds

Rose petals offer gentle calming effects and are rich in vitamins that support reproductive health.

All five of these herbs are included in my Cooling Herbs for Chickens blend, which was specifically formulated to help hens beat the heat and stay productive.

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How to Use Cooling Herbs to Support Egg Production

The beauty of herbs is that they’re incredibly easy to incorporate into your chickens’ daily routine. Here are some simple ways to use cooling herbs in your summer chicken care routine:

✅ Sprinkle Cooling Herbs in Chicken Feed

Mix a small handful of the Cooling Herbs blend directly into your flock’s feed. The scent and flavor encourage eating even in the heat, and the herbs offer supportive benefits with every bite.

☕ Make a Cooling Herb Tea

Steep the herbs in cool water and let it chill before offering it to your chickens. This herbal tea can hydrate and calm at the same time. I like to offer it in a shaded area during the hottest part of the day.

💧 Add Cooling Herbs to Nesting Boxes

Sprinkle the herbs directly into your nesting boxes to keep laying areas fresh, pest-free, and soothing. This not only supports egg production but encourages hens to continue laying in the same familiar, calming place.

🪿 Use in Dust Baths

Mix the herbs into your flock’s dust bath area. Peppermint and chamomile can help deter external parasites, while the scent encourages natural self-care behaviors.

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Other Summer Tips to Keep Hens Laying

In addition to using Cooling Herbs, there are several other important steps to ensure your hens stay healthy and continue laying consistently during the summer heat:

1. Provide Plenty of Fresh, Cool Water

Hens can drink up to twice as much water during hot weather. Always make sure fresh water is available—and change it out multiple times a day to keep it cool. Adding frozen water bottles to waterers or using shallow trays where they can dip their feet can help lower their body temperature.

2. Offer Electrolytes and Apple Cider Vinegar

Electrolyte powders added to water can help replenish essential minerals lost through heat stress. Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) can support digestion and immunity, but don’t use it in metal waterers.

3. Feed a Balanced, High-Quality Diet

Even if their appetite decreases in the heat, hens still need protein, calcium, and nutrients to keep producing eggs. Offer layer feed along with nutrient-dense treats like watermelon, leafy greens, and herbs.

4. Ensure Shade and Good Ventilation

Provide shaded areas in the run and make sure your coop is well-ventilated. Use fans, open windows, or roof vents to improve airflow. Avoid overcrowding to reduce added body heat.

5. Limit Handling and Stressful Activities

Avoid moving hens, adding new flock members, or making big changes during heatwaves. Stress can be a big factor in declining egg production, so keep their routine simple and calm.

6. Use Cooling Foods and Treats

Chilled fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and berries are not only hydrating but also loved by chickens. Serve them mid-day when temperatures peak for a refreshing treat that supports hydration.

7. Keep Nesting Areas Comfortable

Make sure nesting boxes are located in cooler parts of the coop, if possible. Adding herbs can reduce pests and odor while keeping hens comfortable enough to continue laying.

By combining these practices with the regular use of Cooling Herbs, you create a supportive, stress-free environment that helps hens maintain their egg-laying routines—even through summer’s hottest days.

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Final Thoughts: Beat the Heat Naturally

You don’t have to accept a summer slump in egg production. With the right mix of Cooling Herbs and smart seasonal care, your flock can continue to lay steadily even when the thermometer climbs.

Adding herbs like peppermint, chamomile, and hibiscus isn’t just good for egg numbers—it’s a powerful step toward holistic, natural chicken keeping. Try incorporating these cooling herbs into your flock’s routine and see the difference a little herbal support can make.

Ready to get started? Check out my Cooling Herbs for Chickens and give your hens the summer support they deserve.