Chickens dying in heatwave

[Wagner_Ranch]

All good ideas that have been posted. I nearly lost one yesterday. Heard a ruckus in the coop, found one collapsed, limp, still breathing. Quickly got her to a hose and dowsed her everywhere, especially under the wings. She recovered just a little, brought her in and sat her in the sink filled with cool water for 20 minutes, until her breathing was more normal and her temp was down. She was still loopy and unbalanced, but a little more normal. Got some electrolites in her and she spent the rest of the day and last night in my bathroom in the A/C. This morning she was looking really good and desperately wanted outside with the others. I wasn't sure she would make it through the night, but luckily I got to her in time, doesn't always happen. I use most of the things listed by others here, sometimes it's just difficult and time consuming. If possible, when you know you are having issues, having a bucket or two sitting ready with cool water for a dunking in an emergency can be a lifesaver. I'm really hoping for cooler weather soon!

In a pinch you can make your own electrolites, lots of recipes on line:
8 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon potassium chloride (optional, can be found as a salt substitute in stores, leave it out if you don't have it)

Stir or whisk the dry ingredients in a small container with a lid.( If you don't have the potassium chloride, you can just omit it.)

To use, measure out 6 teaspoons of the mixture into a gallon of water (or add 1.5 teaspoon to a quart of water).

Offer to chicks or adult chickens for several hours as their sole water source and then offer plain water for several hours. Repeat until symptoms subside.

In extreme cases, 2 teaspoons may be stirred into a cup of water and administered by eyedropper a few drops at a time.

Only use when needed in cases of emergency. Discard any unused liquid solution at the end of each day. Dried mixture can be stored in a cool, dry place.

Today butal again with heat had my mom over at my house today on chicken duty. She said all good at 1 & one not well at 3. In her house being nursed. she will be ok in the morning when we get home.

 

[Wagner_Ranch]

You may see why many farmers have odd times to take vacations.

You may see why many farmers have odd times to take vacations.

Can you water a shady patch of ground if they’re free ranging? We are in the UK so of course it’s not as hot as over there but we have had some days this summer which were very hot by our standards. Our flock will almost never get into trays of water to cool off, even when obviously affected by the heat, but they go straight to lie on damp earth or in puddles on the ground and this helps them a lot. They often dig to get the coolest ground too. Then they just sit there under a tree in their damp hole and seem to do great.
Sounds like you are doing a lot of good things already though and I hope you don’t lose anymore.

We have been saturating the soil along with misting systems that keep it pretty damp. It just got wicked hot & seemed like no escaping it no matter what we try. We have never had weather like this. Next time I'm moving them all inside since all else has not worked. appreciate all the tips!!

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Hi! We are in socal and are losing chickens to the heat wave. We have a mister on the turnout, oscillating fan inside, water inside & out & frozen watermelon slices. Desperate to not lose more tomorrow, would love suggestions

Make sure they have tons of shade and if they like sitting under a certain bush or tree make sure that you put their clean water really close by, so they don’t have to get up and walk too far. It was 110 today where I live, but my chickens didn’t really seem bothered, they just sit underneath the bushes.

 

[thepick4uchicks]

Yes, I know. My hose is well water, not all that cold, so not an issue. It actually feels warm in the winter. And my sink water was cool, not cold. My buckets outside are also not all that cold, just cooler than the heat stroking chicken, and cooler than the ambient air.
I lost one last year and her core temp was about 118 degrees when I found her dead, she was almost too hot to touch.
Also, fat birds will have a lot more trouble with the heat, as well as any that have any underlying health issues.

Amen! Orpingtons -I have some 17 weekers working on that title real well!

 

[thepick4uchicks]

We have been saturating the soil along with misting systems that keep it pretty damp. It just got wicked hot & seemed like no escaping it no matter what we try. We have never had weather like this. Next time I'm moving them all inside since all else has not worked. appreciate all the tips!!

I just pray they all help y’all make it through these days. Please keep in touch and post back and let us know how you do in this blasted heat. Good luck to you and your flock.

 

[thepick4uchicks]

Make sure they have tons of shade and if they like sitting under a certain bush or tree make sure that you put their clean water really close by, so they don’t have to get up and walk too far. It was 110 today where I live, but my chickens didn’t really seem bothered, they just sit underneath the bushes.

Our run is completely covered also and the only time the sun gets in there to almost all of it is late afternoon but they still have some shade. That is what saves mine. Good luck to y’all as well.