Can a pullets overheat?

[bizzynik]

For the past two days I've had a pullet, she'll be 18 weeks tomorrow, that is acting off. She still moves around the yard, but not like she usually does. More often than not, she looks like she's sleeping or sunning herself. Last night and today she was standing in some standing water. She doesn't seem to be breathing heavy. She's not panting, her beak is closed, but she is kind of holding her wings away from her body. I've had to physically pick her up and put her in the coop at night, because she won't go in herself. It's been really hot and humid here the last couple of days, and not getting very cool at night. I've seen her peck at the ground a little bit, but I'm concerned. She's one of my prettiest girls, and I would hate to lose her.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @bizzynik

Is she drinking?
How long have you had her?
Is she pooping - what does it look like?
What breed is she?

A bird can overheat at any age. Watch to see if she is drinking.
Not going into the coop at night can be a few things - it's hot, possibly overcrowded, she's being bullied, there's something in the coop she doesn't like (rodents, mites/lice) or she doesn't feel well.

If you think she is overheated, then offer her some electrolytes for a day to see if she improves.
She's young, but it's possible, depending on her breed that she may be at point of lay (going to start laying eggs). A pullet can occasionally act a bit confused or off during this time since.

Another concern would be an illness of some sort. Having a fresh poop sample tested for worms or cocci may not be a bad idea.

Let us know how she is doing.

 

[bizzynik]

I went to check on her just a bit ago, and she was perched on the lip of the water basin. I had put her up there when I put her in the coop. She did drink a little when I put her in there. Her poop seems to be a bit on the runny side. She's a spotted Sussex. I had cocci run through the flock earlier this spring. I lost two birds to it, and then I lost one to what looked like Mareks disease.

 

[Hamiam]

My pullets were doing the holding out their wings thing today, but also panting. I gave them electrolytes & mixed a little in their chick feed. (They eat more of their feed when it's wet, when it's hot. Just make sure not to save any left over wet feed for the next day, it's no longer good) They pretty much hung out in the shade all day with a fan blowing near by, but did forage late afternoon. I also freeze water bottles & place inside their waterer to keep their water cool. I change it 2 times a day. Its been really hot & humid here in Texas!

 

[Hamiam]

BTW, our girls are about the same age. Mine are Black Australorps & Red Sexlinks

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Since she's a Speckled Sussex, she probably isn't getting ready to lay at 18wks.

She may be dehydrated, if you can bring her in so you can monitor her that would be good. If it's dark outside, she won't drink again until morning.

Try to get her hydrated, then see if she will eat a little egg for you.

 

[bizzynik]

That's fun Hamiam. I've got several breeds. Sussex, Welsumers, Wyandottes, Americana, and Wheaten Maran.

BTW, our girls are about the same age. Mine are Black Australorps & Red Sexlinks

 

[bizzynik]

Since she's a Speckled Sussex, she probably isn't getting ready to lay at 18wks.

She may be dehydrated, if you can bring her in so you can monitor her that would be good. If it's dark outside, she won't drink again until morning.

Try to get her hydrated, then see if she will eat a little egg for you.

I mixed up so electrolytes and gave her about 4 dropper full. I'll give her more in the morning. She did drink from the water while I was giving her her meds.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Is she better this mornining?
What type of meds are you giving her?

 

[bizzynik]

I was giving her electrolytes. She didn't make it through the night.