Chicken Heatstroke Probability?

[Wolfheart101]

Okay, so we're getting some Buff Orpingtons, some Australorps, some Wyandotte Bantams, and some Cochin bantams. And we live in central Texas. The temperatures can reach 104 degrees F. Will I have to take precautions for our chickens?

 

[TexasVet]

You betcha! I'm in the Brenham/Bellville area, and despite all my precautions, I lost a hen to heatstroke a couple of days ago. By the time I saw her in distress, it was too late to save her. And I saw tonight that we've had a straight week of record-breaking temps, with more to come.

I've pull more than a dozen chicken heat-stroke prevention measures from BYC and put them in one place on my website. I'm sure you'll find some tips you can use... http://www.countrychickens.com/country_chickens_4_007.htm

In the meantime, pray for rain!

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com, www.PivotalForce.com

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Shade and cool water always available. Fans and/or misters frozen water bottles.

If heat stroke occurs, cool bird off rapidly by putting feet and vent in cool water. Gatorafe or pedialyte.

 

[texas_is_home]

Very probable! I just lost a couple of chicks due to the South Texas heat. I check on them almost obsessively and when I came home for lunch yesterday 4 out of my 16 chicks had died The corner of the cage was in direct sunlight and I'm thinking they were sleeping and their body temp went way up really quickly. I've felt horrible about it.

 

[TexasVet]

Don't feel too bad, it's just one of those things. I felt the same way when I got back from running errands yesterday and found one of my waterers empty. Until this weather breaks, all we can do is the best we can.

No rain here today, but Weather.com says it should show up sometime between 9 pm and 2 am.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com, www.PivotalForce.com

 

[freebirder]

My birds have been throwing a few feathers the last few days. Is it heat related?
They sure are going through a lot of water here in Bulverde TX. Also been over 100 too many days this year.
Comets - red sex linked 10-11 weeks old.

What are the best heat tolerant breeds?

 

[maf2008]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=207530Look at my waterer... its $10 in 10 minutes and it is the best idea yet for keeping the chickens cool and fresh water every day. I do put the hose in the shade to keep the water from getting too hot.



Quote:

 

[Wolfheart101]

Thanks, every one!

 

[peakpoultry]

Quote:
Thats a very good idea, frozen water bottles! Thank you.

 

[TexasVet]

I've been putting frozen water bottles in the waterers and underneath the building where they all huddle to avoid the sun.

It was hot as heck again today, but they claim rain is on the way. We've got a 20% chance of rain tomorrow, going up to 50% this weekend. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com