A silent catastrophe has unfolded in France this summer, as millions of animals have succumbed to the relentless heatwaves. The extreme temperatures have had a devastating impact on livestock, with poultry being among the most affected. Poultry, which includes chickens and other birds raised for meat and eggs, are particularly vulnerable to heat stress because they cannot sweat and rely on other methods to cool down, such as panting or seeking shade. In regions like Brittany, known for its large poultry farms, the situation has been especially dire, with 2% of the national poultry stock lost due to the heat. The heatwaves have not only caused direct deaths but have also led to reduced productivity in farms, with lower egg production and weakened animals. Farmers have been forced to implement emergency measures, such as increasing ventilation in chicken coops, providing more water, and using cooling systems to protect their flocks. However, these temporary fixes may not be enough to prevent similar losses in the future, especially as climate experts predict more frequent and intense heat events. In response to this crisis, poultry farmers are now looking ahead and considering long-term adaptation strategies. These may include adjusting the timing of breeding cycles to avoid the hottest months, investing in more resilient breeds, and improving infrastructure to better manage heat. Some are also exploring the possibility of moving operations to cooler regions or using advanced technology to monitor and control temperatures within barns. This summer’s events have underscored the vulnerability of agricultural systems to climate change. As France and other countries grapple with the reality of a warming planet, the plight of poultry farmers highlights the need for both immediate relief and sustainable solutions to protect food production and livelihoods. The challenge now is to find ways to adapt without compromising the environment or the economic stability of farming communities.