Chicks panting

[infinitiy123]

Hello,

About a week ago I purchased 5 baby chicks. I have 4 polish chicks and 1 silkie chick. I think they are about 2-3 weeks old. They have been sitting in my home made brooder which is a clear 40 gallon bin lined with pine wood shavings and I am keeping the brooder in my garage with 40 watt bulb heating up a small area. Today the weather out here is about 90F so I thought I'd take the brooder in the backyard so they can get some sun and fresh air. I moved the bin into the shade after about 15 minutes, but I see most of the chicks panting like they are out of breath. I made sure that they have fresh cool water, but they are still panting. They are also lying down on top of each other and they spread their wings out. It seems to me they are too hot which is concerning to me since there is nothing really I can do about that. The garage is probably the same temperature, if not hotter. Should I be concerned?

 

[donrae]

15 minutes in the direct sun in the middle of the day makes me want to pant, too

I'd say keep them out of the sun. Outside in the shade is fine. In the garage, ditch the light bulb during the day if it's in the 90s. Most folks brood chicks in the early spring, so the heat guidelines are more for that time of year. In summer, you often don't need supplemental heat. I had a broody hatch chicks 5 days ago, they're never under momma during the day and usually have their heads peeking out at night

. They're plenty warm at outside temp.

 

[acemario]

Agreed! 90+ degrees sounds pretty warm! I would try to find a cooler place for them rather than the garage if they were mine.

Good luck!

 

[chickenmadness7]

At 3 weeks of age, 90 degrees is too hot. Keep them out of the sun and in the shade for sure. It will be cooler.

 

[infinitiy123]

They were in the shade for most of the day, yet they were still panting. When the temperature dropped in the evening, the panting stopped and they looked normal again. Maybe they will have to get used to the heat? Its pretty darn hot even in the shade in TX.

 

[donrae]

If they're in the shade, and have water, then yeah, they're just living where it's hot and not much you can do about it, unless you're willing to pick up and move for your chickens

I don't get as hot as you do, and everyone pants during the heat of the day. As long as you're doing what you can to keep them cooler, they'll just do what they can also and be fine.