Turner_Family_Flock
Chirping
- May 16, 2020
- 39
- 88
- 67
It's been very hot recently in Oregon. The sun is beating down relentlessly, and it's very difficult to keep ourselves and our dog cool, let alone our chickens. If we had air conditioning, we might have considered bringing the chickens into the garage temporarily while this heat wave passes. It's been hovering between 87-95 for the last few days, and the chickens are starting to feel the effects.
We're especially worried about our oddball, Valentina, who has black feathers- as opposed to our Novogens who have brownish/reddish feathers.
Regardless of their colors, they're all clearly feeling the heat. They 'pant' with their beaks open every now and then, and they're less active. They lay away from each other and space out in the shade, and only get up for a bit of food or water.
We decided to purchase a second waterer, so that they can have both electrolyte and fresh water. We keep both as cold as possible and replace them through the day.
They're still active- they run around chasing termites (our coop came infested with the buggers but the chickens have basically eliminated that problem)
They still come when called and they poke their heads out of the run to mess with my father's ring (their favorite passtime)
And they still run around to play with each other.
But they're clearly feeling the heat.
Do any of the more experienced chicken farmers have some tips for surviving our first summer with the chickens? We haven't been able to find good information beyond "give them cold water, feed them cucumbers (we did and they loved them), give them some frozen snacks and let them lay in the shade".
All help is appreciated! Thank you
We're especially worried about our oddball, Valentina, who has black feathers- as opposed to our Novogens who have brownish/reddish feathers.
Regardless of their colors, they're all clearly feeling the heat. They 'pant' with their beaks open every now and then, and they're less active. They lay away from each other and space out in the shade, and only get up for a bit of food or water.
We decided to purchase a second waterer, so that they can have both electrolyte and fresh water. We keep both as cold as possible and replace them through the day.
They're still active- they run around chasing termites (our coop came infested with the buggers but the chickens have basically eliminated that problem)
They still come when called and they poke their heads out of the run to mess with my father's ring (their favorite passtime)
And they still run around to play with each other.
But they're clearly feeling the heat.
Do any of the more experienced chicken farmers have some tips for surviving our first summer with the chickens? We haven't been able to find good information beyond "give them cold water, feed them cucumbers (we did and they loved them), give them some frozen snacks and let them lay in the shade".
All help is appreciated! Thank you
XD
