Heat Wave Behavior

[kstrohecker]

We have 15 week old hens and live in PA where we have been having temps in the 90s all week. I noticed that the girls are laying down in the run and there are tons of feathers everywhere. They have their beaks open and are panting. Is this their way of dealing with the heat? Also one hen's beak is partially turning black. They are buff orpingtons. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[WildSuburbian]

They are having heat stroke. Panting is their way of trying to cool down when distressed.

You need to get them some shade for their run. If you have an enclosure, get a tarp up there straight away.

You should also get electrolytes into their water; the same stuff you would see for baby chicks. It's chicken gatorade and will help them. I think they call it Sav-A-Chick.

Change their water several times a day so they can have cool water to help cool down.

If you give them fruit as part of their diet, serve it from the fridge. Cold apples, cold watermelon, cold cantaloupe is a great treat for my girls in the hot afternoon.

As for the hen whose beak is turning black, I have no experience with that sorry.

Hope your girls are doing better soon.