- Writer: Adam Russell, 903-834-6191, adam.russell@ag.tamu.edu
- Contact: Fred Hall, 817-884-1946, fmhall@ag.tamu.edu
FORT WORTH – Summer heat can zap the production quality and quantity of poultry flocks, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.
Flock owners can learn many best management practices for keeping hens cooler at a program scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m. June 28 at the AgriLife Extension office in Tarrant County, 200 Taylor St. in Fort Worth.
“Some of the things backyard flock owners do don’t help their chickens dissipate heat and in fact, make it worse,” said AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resource agent Fred Hall, Tarrant County.
Hall said little things, like maintaining good bedding, which helps insulate and moderate hens’ temperature, and ensuring chickens have access to plenty of cool water, can help a flock through hot Texas summers.
Ignoring heat-stressed chickens can mean fewer and lower quality eggs from layers and decreased weight gains from broilers, he said.
While there is no charge for the program or parking, attendees are asked to reserve their seat online at: http://agrilife.org/urbantarrantag/program-registration.
The deadline to register is 5 p.m. June 27. For more information and to preregister, contact the AgriLife Extension office in Tarrant County at 817-884-1946.
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