Help! My silkies are to hot, lost Curlie yesterday.

[Noah'sMom]

Does anyone know what I can do it's 109 today and I lost Curlie, very sweet silkie they're all panting very heavily, I thought about hosing them down but I don't want to make things worse.

 

[seminolewind]

They need a big fan and ice water.

 

[allieloveschickens]

there are a number of things you can do- if possible use an extension cord and set up a fan in the coop or run (where ever they are hanging out) so that they get a good breeze, you should buy (if you don't have any) some gallons of water and freeze them- then put the frozen jugs out for the chickens to lean on and sit against. You can also put out shallow pans of water for them to stand in- might be good to go out and get all of them a little damp- dip their feet and bellies in water. Mist them down with a sprayer, and give them some frozen peas or berries if you have any. Hope this helps!

 

[Meghalu]

If you live in an area with dry heat, misters work well to cool them down, but not so much if you live somewhere that is already really humid.

 

[Mama_hen]

My husband and I are going to make a home made frig, we have been looking into making things for the hens that would not need any power. Haven't made it yet but when I do I'll let you know if it works. We have a tarp covered area for the hens, so we are going to somewhat box that in. It's like a spa but much cooler. I hope this works......

 

[teach1rusl]

I filled a big tub with cold water today and gently dunked each bird (not all the way under of course). Only one of them actually seemed to like it - my big buff orp. Our heat index was about 110 today. I know my dogs act like they feel cooler when I wet them down, so I figure it had to help the birds feel cooler

Frozen blueberries, watermelon, ice water... DH told me he fully expected me to have the chickens in the kitchen when he came home.

I'm sorry about your Curlie

I hope your chickens fare better tomorrow...

 

[classicsredone]

Our birds really like to wade in a shallow dish of cool water when it is hot. We have a mister on a timer to go off once an hour, too. That way it doesn't get too wet in the area, but still keeps it cool. I also freeze pie pans full of water and some treats to encourage them to peck for veggies or fruit.