shade net for chickens

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Summer heat can be hard on backyard chickens—especially when they’re stuck in full sun without any natural shade. Even if your flock has plenty of water, too much direct sunlight can lead to heat stress, poor laying, and general discomfort.

We’re lucky that our coop is set back in a wooded area, so our girls get a fair amount of natural shade. But a couple of summers ago, I added a shade net for our chickens to cover part of the run, and I’ve been really impressed with the results.

It’s a simple fix that works—so I wanted to share the exact one I use.

A couple summers ago, I noticed one of our hens panting hard and holding her wings out from her body—a classic sign of overheating. That was my wake-up call. We had trees nearby, but it wasn’t enough. I ordered the shade net that same week, and within a couple days of putting it up, I saw a big difference. The girls were back to dust bathing and acting normal again.

Why I Chose This Shade Net for Our Chickens

I use this 10×20 ft shade net I found on Amazon

It’s lightweight, breathable, and doesn’t trap heat like a tarp. It blocks just enough sun to give the flock relief while still allowing airflow. I chose the 10×20 size because it gives me enough coverage for a decent portion of our run without making the whole area dark or closed in.

Since adding it, our hens spend their afternoons dust bathing and relaxing under the net, even on those hot Indiana days.

How I Installed It in Under 10 Minutes

I used zip ties and a few metal clips we had in the barn. You can attach it to fencing, a wood frame, or even T-posts if you’ve got them. The netting is super lightweight, so you don’t need anything fancy to hold it up—just make sure it’s pulled tight enough to avoid sagging.

It’s also easy to remove if you need to take it down for storms or winter.

Who This Works For

Whether you’ve got a full homestead like us or a small coop in your backyard, a little shade goes a long way. Chickens are surprisingly sensitive to heat, and I’ve learned that keeping them comfortable isn’t just about water—they need a break from the sun, too.

Bonus Tip: Grow Your Own Shade

If you like to garden, try planting tall corn or sunflowers around the chicken yard. It’s a fun way to add a natural shade wall and makes the whole area look beautiful.

Don’t Forget the Water!

Shade is one piece of the puzzle—but cool, clean water is just as important. I talk more about what we use for waterers and a few tricks that have helped us keep our flock hydrated in this post:
👉 How to Keep Chickens Cool in the Summer

Final Thoughts

I know it’s tempting to just hope for cooler weather or spray the birds down with a hose—but this little shade net made a real difference for us, and it cost less than $40. I’ll never go through another summer without it.

Your chickens will thank you with more energy, fewer heat stress signs, and a happier run overall.

Michelle
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