6 week olds not adjusting to outside well ?

[iZiggeh]

I've started to put my 6 fully feathered girls out in the coop/run during the day now as its been 85-91F most days here now and I need them out of my house as they are rapidly outgrowing the brooder . The problem is I can't seem to leave them out for more then an hour or so or they are all panting so bad and laying down (happened today and today it was 88 but the coop/runs under a tree and it was breezy so not super hot for them its actually hotter in the room they are staying in , in the house ) They have access to water , two different waterers , and they seemingly wont drink outside even though its the same waterers as inside ? I bring them back inside to the brooder and all the panting stops within a few minutes . They have had outside trips for 30minutes - 1hr 30min , starting from when they were 3 weeks , so they know the area they are in , it's not new . But the panting and seeming to be constantly worked up is new.

 

[LaFleche]

I've started to put my 6 fully feathered girls out in the coop/run during the day now as its been 85-91F most days here now and I need them out of my house as they are rapidly outgrowing the brooder . The problem is I can't seem to leave them out for more then an hour or so or they are all panting so bad and laying down (happened today and today it was 88 but the coop/runs under a tree and it was breezy so not super hot for them its actually hotter in the room they are staying in , in the house ) They have access to water , two different waterers , and they seemingly wont drink outside even though its the same waterers as inside ? I bring them back inside to the brooder and all the panting stops within a few minutes . They have had outside trips for 30minutes - 1hr 30min , starting from when they were 3 weeks , so they know the area they are in , it's not new . But the panting and seeming to be constantly worked up is new.

Do they have things or bushes to hide under?

They might be stressed and panting for feeling exposed in a new environment without possibility to hide from predators.

 

[citymeetscountry]

You cold freeze water (like in 2 liter bottles or an old ice cream container) and set them outside where they can sit by it to cool off. They need to adapt. As long as they have water:shade I’d try not to worry too much. Though take my advice with a grain of salt because I’m still here to it all.

 

[neo71665]

If they have shade and water they are fine. They will need to learn the new environment.

 

[iZiggeh]

Do they have things or bushes to hide under?

They might be stressed and panting for feeling exposed in a new environment without possibility to hide from predators.

Yes multiple bushes , a few benches and hideaways and the coop itself to hide under. They have been out before and they did not react this way , they really seemed to enjoy it . The only difference between those times and now is that I'm not sitting out there with them constantly , could that be it ?

 

[LaFleche]

Yes multiple bushes , a few benches and hideaways and the coop itself to hide under. They have been out before and they did not react this way , they really seemed to enjoy it . The only difference between those times and now is that I'm not sitting out there with them constantly , could that be it ?

Yes, it could as you are the surrogate mother providing security, feed, and everything else they need.

 

[iZiggeh]

If they have shade and water they are fine. They will need to learn the new environment.

Thank you !

 

[LaFleche]

Maybe start to wean them by extending their alone time every day and just look in for a few minutes each time, so they will be reassured that everything is ok.

 

[Halfpasthen]

This sounds like normal behavior in the heat of the day. My birds pant, dust bathe under bushes and take naps during the hottest part of the day. They move around a lot more in the morning and at dusk. They probably just started doing this bc the temps are increasing.

 

[iZiggeh]

Maybe start to wean them by extending their alone time every day and just look in for a few minutes each time, so they will be reassured that everything is ok.

Alright I will start with that tomorrow morning , thanks !