Is this normal?

[flopsy]

We live in a very, very hot part of the country. These are my first chickens. My roo seems to wheeze a little bit when he breathes with his mouth open. Can it just be this hot, hot dry weather? Other than that he seems fine, is eating, etc. He does keep his wings a little away from his body. I'm thinking that's to help keep cooler. I also saw all three of them in little dirt holes they had dug the other day. To stay cooler? Thanks!

 

[FrontPorchIndiana]

Holding his wings out and taking dirt baths is normal behavior for birds trying to stay cool. Not sure about the wheezing thing.

 

[karrie]

The roo is hot & trying to stay cool. Make sure he's got fresh cool water close by.

 

[flopsy]

Thank you, FP and karri!

 

[sammi]

the wheezing could be from dusts from the dry conditions.
could be from ammonia fumes build up in the coop, or a build up of dusts and dander.
do they have a coop?
what bedding do you use?
has the coop been cleaned recently?

do you have any antibiotics on hand?
is there a good feed/farm/livestock supply store in your area, (such as Tractor Supply Company)?

some people use empty 2 liter bottles..fill with water and freeze and set them near where the chickens sit.

 

[BantyHugger]

Holding wings out is from the heat. Mind do it all the time here in TX. Dust bathing is a natural protection instinct from mites and other bug diseases.

The wheezing is new to me. Mine have never done it so its not the heat. Hope you find the reason.

 

[lovethechickens]

The wheezing thing could be what the other people posted. Dust, dander, etc.....My rooster makes a wheezing sound when busts out a crow. He is the loudest rooster I have ever heard, and so I think he just pushes out all his air, and tries to catch up to quick! But to answer your question yes the other stuff is normal. Someone on another thread suggested feezing milk jugs, or juice jugs with water and letting the chickens stand next to them when its hot. I do it and all my babies LOVE it! Good luck!

 

[antiquebuff]

I agree with everyone else on holding the mouth open, but the wheezing would concern me. How is the ventilation of the coop? I have found this can cause lots of problems if not properly done and esp. with the heat the way it has been the last few days. I would clean everything good and and be sure and use pine shavings , no cedar, and make sure a good flow of air goes thru and see if this makes a difference. Good Luck and keep us informed!

 

[dlhunicorn]

If it is hot and your birds are panting then you need to put electrolytes/vit in their water... a common one sold is DURVET though there are other brands. Your feed store should have this.

 

[2manyhats]

I learn so much every time I come on here. You guys are awesome.