beaks wide open

[penquin]

I have 5 BRs and being very hot out it seems like they are having trouble breathing. They are all breathing through there mouth's. Should I worry about this? They are usually under the one shed taking dirt baths and then hang out in a little wood patch during the day cause it stays shady.

 

[Simmonsfunnyfrm]

I have 5 BRs and being very hot out it seems like they are having trouble breathing. They are all breathing through there mouth's. Should I worry about this? They are usually under the one shed taking dirt baths and then hang out in a little wood patch during the day cause it stays shady.

I wouldn't worry too much. That is their version of panting, like dogs do to cool off. It's pretty normal, I would just keep cool water for them all the time, and something I do for mine is spray the hose into an area on the ground where they dust bathe and make a little puddle. Once it dries up the dirt will be cool and moist. Mine like that. Hope this weather cools off soon, it's been over 100 just about every day for over two weeks here in AR.

 

[penquin]

Thanks for the info. I know what you mean about the heat, I live in Beaver, Ar. Trying to keep the cool. they even cut back on the egg layin, dont blame them though.

 

[Simmonsfunnyfrm]

Well what a coincidence! I was just in Beaver for the first time June 15th, for my birthday we went camping there. It's really nice. I'm from Dover.

 

[theoldchick]

So long as their combs and wattles are nice and red, they should be fine. However, you can supply a 'cool' zone for them to utilize if they so desire. You can add ice to their water. Make a small puddle in the shade and toss a few ice cubes in the water.

My girls recently experienced 107 F heat. I supplied frozen 2 liter bottles for them and noticed how they rubbed their wattles along the bottle. Others either dipped their feet in the puddle I made for them, and some actually dunked their entire head into the ice water I supplied. They were miserable but the 'cool' zone helped them survive.

 

[penquin]

Thanks for the info, gonna do it right now

 

[Arkansas81]

howdy ya'll! i am in batesville ar, ive been sooooooooooooo worried about this heat too! i put a bird bath in my coop for my birds. i was wondering how likely is it for them to be laying in this heat? my girls havent laid yet but they sure are looking like they want too. i will try some of your suggestions about helping them to stay cool. man i hope the rain come soon!

 

[Simmonsfunnyfrm]

howdy ya'll! i am in batesville ar, ive been sooooooooooooo worried about this heat too! i put a bird bath in my coop for my birds. i was wondering how likely is it for them to be laying in this heat? my girls havent laid yet but they sure are looking like they want too. i will try some of your suggestions about helping them to stay cool. man i hope the rain come soon!

Howdy!

Love all these Arkansans on here! Haha! A bird bath sounds like a good idea. I don't know about the laying, mine aren't doing that yet, but I looked on the 'how many eggs you get today?' thread and it seems like in general production is slowing down a bit because of the heat. I read that many breeds will slow down production in extreme heat, but it doesn't seem like they will slow down as much as they do in the winter. There is still hope! I'm like you, some of my girls are just starting to get more red in the face, but they are 13 weeks. I'm hoping my Cinnamon Queens will start around the last week of this month.

 

[AwallRooster]

Try to put a cheap box fan were they hang out at, i got one hanging on the fence,and pointed it down to the ground,that i keep my flock in, as soon as i pluged it in,an turned the fan on,they sat in front of it layed out like they were getting their tan on!!!! they love it in this hot summer,i turn it off at night an turn it on around 10:00am in the mornings for them, :}

 

[rocksteady]

Try to put a cheap box fan were they hang out at, i got one hanging on the fence,and pointed it down to the ground,that i keep my flock in, as soon as i pluged it in,an turned the fan on,they sat in front of it layed out like they were getting their tan on!!!! they love it in this hot summer,i turn it off at night an turn it on around 10:00am in the mornings for them, :}

I did the same thing as AwallRooster they fan was the key , i plugged mine into a timer that will turn it on and off for me about 10 am turn on and 8 pm turn off they seem to love it , as well i built 2 , 5gal bucket wateres with chicken nipples for them .