First time mom

[Ajg94]

I have 15 New Hampshire Chicks that are about 3 weeks old. Being a first time mom I'm trying to be as cautious and observant as possible. All of the chicks seem healthy and happy but i was wondering if they could go out to their coop yet? Its currently 100 outside and 93 in the coop. I have both windows open and i have a box fan going. I tried putting them out there for about 45 minutes but a few of them (mostly the big girls) started panting and laying down with their wings spread out. Normal? Not normal? I plan on improving my air flow in the coop within the next few days but its only the start of the heat to come. Keep them inside for a few more weeks? Or no? Help!

 

[Pendragonz]

The behavior is totally normal, it is how chickens cool off. They pant just like a dog, or cat. By spreading their wings it allows more air to get around their body and cool them off. I might wait until you get the air flow improved a little bit if you're expecting it to get much hotter, and when you do move them into the coop you can put frozen ice jugs in the coop for them to get against to help stay cool. Good luck with raising your NH chicks.