HELP! CHICKENS SUFFERING FROM WILDFIRES AND HEAT!

[GrandmaChickie]

Great advice! Thank you!

 

[Red Barn Farms]

Sorry to hear about this! It actually went up to 107.8 according to my thermometer which is located on my front porch in the shade in Kentucky today. Our best to everyone fighting this fire that everyone remains safe and sound. Here is a link about heat and chickens if it might help you. You can always supply shade in many ways. A chair turned over against the ground where they can get under it then using a sheet to cover it. A box placed on its side will provide shade too. You can even cut vents out in the side of a cardboard box so they can get in it plus have a breeze blowing through.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-care-for-chickens-in-the-hot-summer-months

 

[vickiw]

I like to keep electrolytes on hand. I buy the Sav-A-Calf packets. They are only $2 or so and have the shelf life of dirt and are fine for any animal you may have including great for stressed out kitties. If your girls are panting they are throwing their electrolytes out of balance and need them replenished. Add to their water. It will make them drink more which is also what you want. One thing I did for my girls was put an old bench in their run and "fluffed the dirt under it. Plan to wet it for them tomorrow as it will be hotter here. I also have apples that are a little "punky" that I quartered, removed the seeds of course, then froze. They absolutely love them. Good luck with your hens and know you all have a lot of people praying for you!

 

[krys2000]

Thank you so much, everyone! YOU GUYS ROCK!

I've been taking many of your suggestions.

The chickens have stayed outside through the fire (which is 90% contained as of last night!

)

I completely opened up their coop to try and keep it cool. I have given them TONS of frozen treats (strawberry tops, frozen watermelon & cantaloupe). I have also used a couple of cat litter boxes with water and ice cubes, which they drank out of.

They didn't lay as much for a while and one of the hens has begun serious molting and has gone broody. However, I think that they've weathered the storm (so to speak) fairly well. We are looking forward to and are praying for our traditional July monsoons!

Thank you for all of your wonderful advice and your prayers!