CHICKENS PANTING

[irf1983]

We live in Florida and right now is it extremely hot and humid. My chickens always seem to be panting. They are in a large airy run, with plenty of water and shade. Is this normal, is there anything I can do? I'm worried they are going to overheat. Thanks.

 

[HennysMom]

they're hot... try giving them some cool watermelon or something along those lines - cool cantelope, etc. It helps to cool them down a little bit.

 

[jjthink]

Add fans also - can make a crucial difference. Just so there's a spot where they can stand in front of it if needed to cool down. Some folks also use misters that can bringthe air temp down notably.
JJ

 

[jbowyer01]

I took freezer packs and put them in some big ice cream containers. You know the big ones you buy at sams and costco. Put them in the coop or run, they'll be kinda frightened at first but then they'll lay against them and cool off. I also put ice in their waters. I know what its like, I live in southwest Ga. its suppose to be 100 today!

 

[dlhunicorn]

put electrolyte/vit in the waterer (Durvet is a common brand sold at feed stores> do not overdose!)
set out a shallow pool for their feet and put one of those plastic blocks from the freezer (you know the kind you use in a cooler) in it during the hottest part of the day... cooling their feet helps.

 

[Andora]

My chickens sometimes pant when it's very hot too. In Kentucky it's only that hot sometimes, not everyday. I usually hang the water hose over the fence and put it on the mist setting--I do it for the ducks, but then I realized that on hot days the chickens like it too!

 

[agirly4chicks]

This was soooo needed. I live in Georgia and it is close to 100 every day for the past week and I don't think that will change until September. They all have their beaks open. I am not home during the hottest part of the days but will try to do some of these tricks.

Thanks!!

 

[cybercat]

Keep them in complete shade. Also get yourself a mister to cool the air some. These can be had at pond supplies places or even a reptile store. It makes a fine spray that helps cool the air some.

 

[deidreschultz]

I live in fl as well and i was very worried yesterday. they were panting early in the am, and by afternoon some had their wings hanging way low. i did give them watermelon, and even tried to mist them with the hose. they wanted no part of the hose. we did put a fan in their house yesterday, so hopefully that will help. i'm scared they'll never make it through july and august. i think we are going to try the misting thing next. the watermelon just isn't going to do it.
good luck
deedee

 

[DebbieLynn]

The same here and I have my hoses set on mist and hanging on the fence. My other chicks that are free range have multiple areas of deep shade and they enjoy a leaky water hose that they will stand aound cooling off their feet as needed. I don't know what else short of air conditioning a coop we can do!