Well, I gambled and lost. Record heat (105-109) so I made the decision to let the chickens free range during the day .. rather than bake in the coop. All was well for a week. I was looking forward the the potential break in the temps this week .... too late.
I lost nine yesterday. Found feathers belonging to three .. found another's body .. the rest are just gone.
They were all special ..
Uno (mentally disabled SF hen)
Whoopie (over ambitious broody silkie)
Little black and white baby being raised by Whoopie
Barley and Wheat (partridge rocks)
Shiner Blonde (SF cross)
Butterscotch (dominant splash D'uccle hen)
Bobby (crippled Blue MF D'uccle hen - BFF to Butterscotch)
EE pullet that I hadn't named yet ..
Will miss you all ....
Hope the others survive being locked up today .. then I pray the temps drop like they have forcasted..