Heat and Behavior

[TammyTX]

It has been way too hot here. I know, everyone from the South has been complaining on the board about it. But really, it was 107 here yesterday, that is very unusual.

I have also noticed more aggression from my chickens. One of my Welsummer pullets had a wound in her comb and just after I saw it she had blood streaming down her face...she's in the chicken critical care unit aka/dog carrier, now. Then my Jersey Giant roo decided he didn't like the Cuckoo Maran roo and he tried to rip the poor guy's comb off. His comb was bleeding ever so slightly. I have also noticed some of the birds missing their tail feathers.

Anyone else noticed their chickens becoming more aggressive in the heat?

 

[caralouise1974]

Yes, my BO is much more aggressive towards my bluebelle. It has co-incided with both an increase in temp and the BO starting to go broody though, so I'm not sure which variable caused which piece of behaviour. Our bluebelle has also been poorly lately, and perhaps the BO is seizing on this weakness to assert dominance.

Too many variables really, but all this has happened since the temps started rising, definitely.

 

[Brindlebtch]

Don't human assaults and murders go up during extreme heat waves? I don't think it is just the chickens getting cranky.

 

[MagsC]

True...our DOG gets grouchy in the heat! He prefers it in where it is air conditioned.

So, yes, IMO, I think chickens would be affected by it too.

 

[Chicky Tocks]

I have two broody BO's sharing the same nest and that's bad enough, but in this heat they're extra grumpy. Checking for fresh eggs under them has all but caused me to draw back a bloody stump and I have to do it every day!