Chicken OVERHEATING?? Pls help!

[BooBear]

Put some ice in her wading pool. Chickens feet get really hot and being able to cool off the feet helps the regulate their body temps.
I also been freezing big soda bottles filled with water to place in cool down spots. The flock really like this.
Chilled fruit such as watermelon and blueberries make refreshing treats.
Daily water changes for fresh cool water is a must to help keep them encouraged to drink. Also, adding electrolites every so often for boost in the heat.
Shade, lots of shade that she can get to easily.

I also agree thst she needs to be slowly acclimated being she has been inside AC.
Hope she adjusts and makes it through this summer for you.

 

[seminolewind]

For the time being I would house her outside during the night and bring her in during the day. When you start leaving her out longer, provide ice in her water, and I run the hose on the ground to make a nice mud puddle to stand in, and provide shade. Get her on electrolytes, it helps her tolerate the heat.

 

[Rocky Top Chick]

Chickens are very social so I would make sure I get her some friends ASAP. Since she has been living in the house I'm sure she does not understand why you are putting her outside alone. She could be exhibiting stress as well.

Good Luck.

 

[BlackberryFarm]

I agree with getting her some friends.

We have a flock of about 40 birds. At the beginning of the really hot weather, they were almost lost to the heat. To cool them and keep them cool, we have been freezing 2 liter bottles every night and then putting them out in the run throughout the day. They don't like to stand in water, but they really like to stand next to the frozen bottles.

We also have been freezing watermelon and putting it out during the day. They love to eat it, it keeps them hydrated, plus it cools them off. And it keeps them from getting bored. I think this has been more effective than even the ice.

We also have a fan on the really bad days.

 

[Erin K]

I think she should just live inside totally. The idea of a chicken following me around the house is adorable. I think she should sleep in your bed and everything. Totally.

 

[seminolewind]

You have humidity like me in Florida. Misters didn't work. I use alot of fans, ice chunks in the water, and run water on the ground. Electrolytes are a must. I would have to say that she may be stressed being alone and that may make her more vulnerable. Plus she's 11 weeks old, and may not have the resistance of an older bird.

 

[Kariib89]

Quote:
Trust me, she tries!!! Lol.

And thanks to everyone who has responded. She has been adjusting very well, and has spent the last two days walking in and out of the house through a cat door i installed in the back door. My back door opens directly into my chicken run, so she just pops in and out of the AC as she pleases. She is getting buddies this week!! Eeeep!! *excited*

She has gotten much better since she knows that she can come in and see us when she wants, and has taken to spending a bit more time outside. Plus i have gone out with her many times a day so she is not alone. Got the electrolytes in the water, and she LOVED the frozen watermelon idea. I also froze a block of yogurt and put that out, she went nuts over it!

 

[Gypsi]

Quote:
If you are feeding cracked corn, switch to Layena or something like it too.