I have four chicks Two Americaunas, One Buff Orpington and One Silver Laced Wyandotte. They were hatched April 9 so they're about a week and a half old.
They never liked hot temperatures. I was under the impression they would Need 95 degrees at least for their first week. They hated it. I lowered the temp in the brooder daily until they stopped panting. They were happy at about 83f.
I brought them outside for the first time the day before yesterday. It was 80f outside and I gave them a little box to sit in to avoid the sun. They sat inside the box panting for about half an hour until I brought them inside. They barely touched the grass and didn't eat any of it.
Since I brought them out, one of my Americaunas has been breathing heavily and panting. She isn't comfortable in the heat at all but does feel better in the cold (78f max or she starts to pant). This doesn't stop her heavy breathing at all. She's been resting a lot more but I wouldn't call her "lethargic." She's still alert and will get up readily for food or attention or if something scares her. She just seems worn out from the heat. As of yesterday, My other Americauna has been panting and breathing heavily now and then, but not constantly like the first. I'm slightly concerned that they're spreading some sort of disease.
Everyone is eating, drinking, and pooping regularly. I've checked the poop and no worms appear present. I added some SAV-A-CHICK to their water because I had it handy and didn't have any better ideas.
Orpington and Wyandotte don't mind the lower temps but are happy where the temp is now (83f) and are not exhibiting any negative behaviors.
Can someone give me a range of ailments I need to be looking out for /researching? Should I really lower their brooder temp even further than it already is?
Edit: I should add, my Americaunas feet suddenly turned from yellow to blue. I guess that's normal?
They never liked hot temperatures. I was under the impression they would Need 95 degrees at least for their first week. They hated it. I lowered the temp in the brooder daily until they stopped panting. They were happy at about 83f.
I brought them outside for the first time the day before yesterday. It was 80f outside and I gave them a little box to sit in to avoid the sun. They sat inside the box panting for about half an hour until I brought them inside. They barely touched the grass and didn't eat any of it.
Since I brought them out, one of my Americaunas has been breathing heavily and panting. She isn't comfortable in the heat at all but does feel better in the cold (78f max or she starts to pant). This doesn't stop her heavy breathing at all. She's been resting a lot more but I wouldn't call her "lethargic." She's still alert and will get up readily for food or attention or if something scares her. She just seems worn out from the heat. As of yesterday, My other Americauna has been panting and breathing heavily now and then, but not constantly like the first. I'm slightly concerned that they're spreading some sort of disease.
Everyone is eating, drinking, and pooping regularly. I've checked the poop and no worms appear present. I added some SAV-A-CHICK to their water because I had it handy and didn't have any better ideas.
Orpington and Wyandotte don't mind the lower temps but are happy where the temp is now (83f) and are not exhibiting any negative behaviors.
Can someone give me a range of ailments I need to be looking out for /researching? Should I really lower their brooder temp even further than it already is?
Edit: I should add, my Americaunas feet suddenly turned from yellow to blue. I guess that's normal?
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