Chickens won't stop clucking in 90 degree weather. HELP!

[MamaHen1616]

I have three hens that are about a year old. It's really hot here (90° F) and they're all clucking like crazy! I checked both their food and water--everything is fine. One of them might be on the nesting box but if it was just that not all of them would be clucking, right?? I'm really worried. Any help is appreciated.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Overheating usually means lethargic and panting. I wouldn't worry about it. Make sure they have plenty of clean cool water and shade.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Usually when one sings the egg song, many in the flock will.

If they have plenty of shade and water that isn't hot, they should be fine.
You can freeze a water bottle and put it into the water fount to keep the water cooler. They also appreciate a foot bath when it gets over 90.

 

[MamaHen1616]

Thanks so much. They have been panting but have stopped clucking for now. I hosed down their run earlier so that should help.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

So you muddied up their dust bathing areas?
Chickens start panting at 85F. They don't have sweat glands.

 

[MamaHen1616]

I know they don't have sweat glands. I usually hose down their run because it cools down their feet which is supposed to help.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They still need to dust bathe and a foot bath (rubber feed tub) is more effective at cooling than mud.

 

[MamaHen1616]

Thanks for letting me know! Just checked them--they're holding their wings out from their bodies. Should I be concerned?

 

[SunHwaKwon]

That's also normal. There's very little feathering and good veins there so it's a good area for releasing body heat to cool off.

 

[MamaHen1616]

You guys have really helped. Thanks!!

Also I've let them out to free range in the backyard. They have access to the water but also dust and dirt.