Can Chickens Get Sunburned?

[schmije]

We just moved our meat birds into their new pasture pen today. They're 4 weeks old, and they're still missing some feathers, mostly on their butts. I noticed today that several of them were lounging in the sun, and I could see right through the down to their pink skin. Should I be concerned about them getting sunburned?

 

[uhuh555]

Yes they can if skin is exposed. An easy fix would be to offer some shade.

Older meat birds (3 weeks and older) can not manage temperatures above 80F as well as non-meat birds.

 

[schmije]

the pasture pen has an area with shade, but are they smart enough to go into the shade and avoid the sun.... or are they going to just hang out in the sun cause its nice an warm on this 70 deg day....

 

[PoultryPedia]

Someone developed featherless meat chickens to help with overheating problems... but those chickens are more vulnerable to sunburn.
See http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn2307-featherless-chicken-creates-a-flap.html

 

[CoopCrazy]

Yep I had mine out for a few hours and they are all sunburnt.. Poor things.. i didnt mean too...

 

[jaku]

Quote:
They'll figure it out. On nice days, they like to be out in the sun though, like anything else!

 

[Hansen4211]

so can I use sunscreen on my chickens that have had their feathers pulled?

 

[4-H chicken mom]

I don't think I would put anything on birds that I was going to eat. Just make sure they are in the shade at all times.

 

[hydroswiftrob]

Someone developed featherless meat chickens to help with overheating problems... but those chickens are more vulnerable to sunburn.
See http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn2307-featherless-chicken-creates-a-flap.html

That bird looks G-R-O-S-S!

 

[smchickfarm]

That bird looks G-R-O-S-S!

I totally agree