Is the mid-90s too hot to transition outside?

[ChickenMamaC]

My 5 week old flock is about due to move outside (my husband is finishing the run) but I have noticed when I take them outside for field trips, several of them pant. I provide water and they drink a ton.
The next several days are supposed to be hot 95+.

Is it just too hot for them to move out? They will have shade and plenty of water.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What temperatures are they used to? Any big temperature swings can cause problems. You need to acclimate them.

 

[ChickenMamaC]

What temperatures are they used to? Any big temperature swings can cause problems. You need to acclimate them.

Well, our house isn't cooled, so they are used to it being as hot as 85 indoors. It's been gradually getting hotter every week of their lives thus far.

 

[ashlierami]

Well, our house isn't cooled, so they are used to it being as hot as 85 indoors. It's been gradually getting hotter every week of their lives thus far.

I think they would be okay. I would take them out in the morning when it's not so hot so that when it does heat up it's a gradual temperature change thru the day not from the house temperature straight into the 95 degree heat. If they have shade and fresh water they should be just fine. Ice in their water could help as well as frozen treats such as blueberries or watermelon. Also if they have an area they can dust bathe it would be useful.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Than they should be okay to move, just keep an eye on them.

 

[aart]

Might want to freeze some water bottles to toss on the ground.
and/or just toss a bunch of ice cubes out there.

Give them a dose of Sav-A-Chick electrolytes/vitamins once a week.
With just 6 chicks you can mix a small batch(1/4 tsp to 1 Pint water),
always have fresh plain water available too.

In your climate, a mister would be effective.

Here's some other tips on hot weather:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/topic-of-the-week-keeping-chickens-cool-in-summer.1181934/

Better yet check into your State Chat Thread to talk to folks who live in the same climate:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/arizona-chickens.31227/page-6488

 

[snow5164]

New run probably means there’s still grass? That will help them cool down too , wet the grass in the afternoon as temperatures rise , it will bring up bugs and they will love it!

Have fun this is very exciting

 

[ChickenMamaC]

New run probably means there’s still grass? That will help them cool down too , wet the grass in the afternoon as temperatures rise , it will bring up bugs and they will love it!

Have fun this is very exciting

I wish! We are in the desert, so it's pretty much dirt.

 

[Mrs. K]

If in the dessert, dry and sandy? I have watered the ground a bit on hot days....but we have very dry air, low humidity.

But really shade and water will be what you really need. Check the position of shade at 4:00 pm. That is generally the hottest time of the day, shade blocking the west sun is important.

Mrs K

 

[ChickenMamaC]

If in the dessert, dry and sandy? I have watered the ground a bit on hot days....but we have very dry air, low humidity.

But really shade and water will be what you really need. Check the position of shade at 4:00 pm. That is generally the hottest time of the day, shade blocking the west sun is important.

Mrs K

Yeah, somewhat sandy soil. We are roofing half the run to provide shade. Think I'll try the shallow bath trick as well, and may invest in a mister.