Do chicks pant?

[imthedude]

I took the girls (4 wks old today) outside for about 30 min. at lunch today. It's a nice day here - mid-70's and sunny with no breeze. I worked in the garden cleaning up stuff that I didn't get to last fall while they roamed the backyard looking for snacks and pretended they can fly. Right before I took them in, I noticed a couple of them had their beaks open as though they were panting. Do chicks do this on warmer days? I didn't have any water out for them because we were only going to be out for 30 minutes or so. Just curious.

This reminds me to ask another question: are they too young to not have free range of the yard and be able to eat anything they want (grass, worms, bugs, etc.)? Storey's doesn't have much to say about when they can start ranging, but I'm guessing at 4 weeks they're good to go.

 

[easttxchick]

As far as free ranging your girls at 4 weeks-I think it's fine as long as the weather is good(which is obviously was). Next time, take some water out for them-I lived in Colorado for a short time and I remember that even at those temps, since the humidity is so low, it makes you thirsty! Just keep an eye on them, but the panting was probably just from being outside.
I would also introduce some chick grit to their diet to prevent impacted crops now that they are eating grass, bugs, etc.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Chicks are usually very active outdoors and flying gets them tired out too. They were prob just thirsty so offer them lots of water next time and they should be fine. Chicks seem to drink way more then reg grown hens do.

 

[Dar]

I think stress can make them pant too.

not to say they yours were stressed but seeing the big bad for the first time could make anything have a panic attack..lol

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
I completely agree.