Is heat exhaustion a real thing for chickens?

[jllracer55]

we had temps over 100 here for a few days, unless its the lack of food/water for 2 days that did it im concerned its more than that, lost another 1 lastnight that was really weak what can I do? I am concerned I switched from chick feed to layer feed too early and they arent getting the nutrients they need now being so young to help combat the heat theres 1 more im concerned about because shes having issues trying to stay stood up.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

unless its the lack of food/water for 2 days that did it im concerned its more than that, lost another 1 lastnight that was really weak what can I do? I am concerned I switched from chick feed to layer feed too early

How old are the birds that are dying?
Did they go without food/water for 2days?

Putting your location in your profile can be helpful for people giving you suggestions. Since you lost another one last night, if you still have the body refrigerate it and make arrangements to send it to your State Lab for necropsy. A necropsy/testing is the best way to know the cause of death and hopefully will give you information to correct something and prevent future loss.

 

[Poultry Whisperer]

Chickens can suffer from heat exhaustion just like us. I lost one of mine to it yesterday. I tried cooling her down with a cold bath and bringing her inside my house. The cold bath appeared to do some good in cooling her down, but I don't think it was enough to save her. However, what does tend to help chickens before they get severe heat exhaustion is electrolytes. If you want to make some, which I highly recommend during a hot day, the recipe is bellow. Just make sure it is adequately mixed before giving it to them, and increase the amount you make if you have a large flock.

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda

 

[jllracer55]

I just stopped and got some of the save a chick stuff that is supposed to be good stuff? yes I think they went 2 days without water really hope its no disease how much is the state thing normally? I am in Iowa

 

[Alexander2000]

So after going to our coop today for the disapointment to find 4 dead chickens I am wondering if they too can suffer from heat exchaustion like we can?? And if so wat can I do as I appear to have 2 more that dont look so great at the moment, really looking for suggestions to help perk them up.. was considering sugar water or honey water perhaps?

Yep it’s real.

 

[rebrascora]

2 days without water will be well on the way to killing most animals. The heat will just make it happen quicker.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

How old are the birds that are dying?
Did they go without food/water for 2days?

Putting your location in your profile can be helpful for people giving you suggestions. Since you lost another one last night, if you still have the body refrigerate it and make arrangements to send it to your State Lab for necropsy. A necropsy/testing is the best way to know the cause of death and hopefully will give you information to correct something and prevent future loss.

Can you please answer some of the questions that were asked and post some photos of the chickens and their poop?
You mentioned you worried you switched feed too soon - how old are the chickens.

I just stopped and got some of the save a chick stuff that is supposed to be good stuff? yes I think they went 2 days without water really hope its no disease how much is the state thing normally? I am in Iowa

 

[Wyorp Rock]

@jllracer55 the Sav A Chick is a very good idea. You want to get all birds drinking first before you try to get them to eat.

 

[Eggcessive]

We can really be surprised how much water can be drunk by chickens during excessive heat. I put waterers all ofer my yard, coop, and run during the summer months. When they free range during the day, the wild birds come in and drink and take baths in their water as well. I have gone back to regular wtareres to prevent that, but I still have to clean and fill most waterers once or twice a day. Sorry that you lost birds, but this is a learning experience. Shade, water, and good ventilation are very important in hot weather.

 

[Dharmachick]

We are having high temps here too, and I have 3 waterers for 18 chickens that I refill 3 times a day with cold water, and ice in the hottest part of the day. I have a fan in the coop for my broody, my week old chicks are in a brooder with no heat, since there are 15 of them and the shop retains the heat at night. I change their water 4 or 5 times a day since they poop in it. I also give them melons, grapes, any berries that are ripe, and whatever is in the garden that I want to remove. Also yogurt.

I have lots of shade too. I still have to bring in a chicken almost every day. I'm thinking of getting a kiddie pool to dunk them in. It is work to keep them cool in this hot weather.