How do chickens tolerate heavy smoke?

[IamRainey]

Hi guys-

I'm not in danger from the heavy fires around Los Angeles but I can sure smell them this morning. And I expect it will get worse in the next couple days.

The question is, how do chickens handle smoke? Can't be any better for their respiration than it is for mine. ...but then there's precious little I'm going to be able to do about it in any case. Still, knowing what to anticipate could alleviate some of the stress.

 

[NHMountainMan]

Hi guys-

I'm not in danger from the heavy fires around Los Angeles but I can sure smell them this morning. And I expect it will get worse in the next couple days.

The question is, how do chickens handle smoke? Can't be any better for their respiration than it is for mine. ...but then there's precious little I'm going to be able to do about it in any case. Still, knowing what to anticipate could alleviate some of the stress.

Can you keep them inside the coop with the windows shut until the smoke clears? Is it too warm to do that??

 

[AltonaAcres]

We have a large bonfire pit 300 yards ish from our chicken enclosure. When we have fires, you can definitely smell the smoke from our coops. Our chickens seem perfectly fine though!

 

[PirateGirl]

Last summer there was a 14,000 acre wildfire about 10 miles from my house. The prevailing wind direction meant that we were in the direct line of the smoke most of the time. The chickens did ok. I was worried, as they are outside in it all the time, and it was bad enough that I would stay locked in my house or leave town for hours. If they issue an air quality warning (generally when visibility drops to less than 5 miles) and urge people to consider evacuation due to smoke (generally starting with elderly, ill, or small children) that is when you should be concerned. Birds can be sensitive. In my case last year it was somewhat alarming that there were no more local birds around, they'd all left the area. Again, if they aren't urging you to move yet due to air quality, the chickens will likely be fine.

 

[IamRainey]

Can you keep them inside the coop with the windows shut until the smoke clears? Is it too warm to do that??

It's too small for long term occupation by 10 chickens and, honestly, I doubt it would do much since our house has far better construction and air conditioning running and I'm still coughing my brains out and my eyes are burning. I'm particularly sensitive to it (asthma) so that's why I'm concerned for them.

 

[IamRainey]

if they aren't urging you to move yet due to air quality, the chickens will likely be fine.

Not bloody likely! They'd have to evacuate the entire San Fernando Valley if air quality were the issue. That's not gonna happen. Besides, they have thousands of people in danger from the fire to worry about.

I guess I'll have to go with we're not in a fire danger area and hope for the best for my birds.

ETA: I just went out to bring them treats. I'm not seeing any gaping or gasping. Now we'll just wait and see.

 

[NHMountainMan]

It's too small for long term occupation by 10 chickens and, honestly, I doubt it would do much since our house has far better construction and air conditioning running and I'm still coughing my brains out and my eyes are burning. I'm particularly sensitive to it (asthma) so that's why I'm concerned for them.

ugh. sorry you have to deal with this. Good luck - hope it passes soon.

 

[IamRainey]

Thanks so much but I'm not the one to worry about. It's the people who are in the fire zone who face this year after year on an escalating basis. And then there are the fire fighters from all over the West Coast -- including BC -- who will be on constant alert or working to exhaustion for the fire season.

Keep those guys in your thoughts!

 

[NHMountainMan]

Thanks so much but I'm not the one to worry about. It's the people who are in the fire zone who face this year after year on an escalating basis. And the fire fighters from all over the West Coasts who will be on constant alert or working to exhaustion for the fire season.

Keep those guys in your thoughts!

Will do. My dad was a NYC firefighter. I well remember the fear of having him out in a call. So sad to see this annual crisis.