My chickens are panting

[crittersitter]

I have 3 ten week old pullets.(barred rock,BO and SLW). They moved out to the coop 2 weeks ago.As of this morning they are open mouth breathing. Eating, drinking and pooping is all normal. Activity level is normal. Today it is 80+ degrees in NY and they have plenty of shade. They do not free range yet. I cannot see anything in their mouths. They were on medicated chick starter and have moved on to flock raiser now and fresh greens(although it took them 3 days to realize that cilantro is not the enemy.)

They seem very scared when they hear other birds and I live on a nature preserve so there are alot! Are they stressing out or do you think its the hot weather. They seem perfectly normal other than the open mouth breathing.

Oh- and they have never had an earthworm so i don't think it's gapeworm

 

[Chicken0Boy]

Don't worry chickens pant when the get hot just like dogs! Lol

 

[HorseFeathers]

Sounds like they're just hot, especially if it's 80+ degrees... whew!

Check to make sure if they have water. Even if they do, give them some fresh water with ice cubes in the waterer.

 

[alabamachick]

My two CornishX pullets( Long story, didnt know what they were when we got them) are huge at only 6-7 weeks old, and they seem to pant too.

Here in alabama its reaching about 85 degrees in the heat of the day. If I feel down near their chest, they are HOT feeling.

I've been giving them water with ice cubes in it to drink and wade in. They cool right down after that.

 

[MuranoFarms]

Quote:
Oh good! I have 1 panting today too. I hope that is all it is!

 

[LindsayB]

Its probably alittle warm outside. All chickens pant...If you go to the 'coop and run design' there is a post for 'hot coop' (its one of the most recent posts) people have answered that with many ideas on how to keep the chickens cool in warm weather.

 

[crittersitter]

Thanks for all the quick replies! I have been giving them ice water and have changed it twice already. Being a new chicken mom I thought I'd ask the experts. This hot weather really came out of nowhere.It's usually in the 50-60's this time of year. Again, thanks for the quick replies. I guess I can go on with my day and stop checking them every 15 minutes

 

[Rocky Top Chick]

I freeze liter drink bottles and place them in the coop and run. The girls will sit on them to cool off.