My furnace needs work and I’m afraid the burn off will kill my 60 indoor chicks. HELP

[Ursuline Chick]

We have a self-cleaning oven and it stinks when we use it. We were advised not to use it with any type of birds in the house. Sorry this doesn't really help. Good luck finding the correct answer.
ETA: this is an important question for all of us, thank you for asking, as the answer will be important to all bird parents.

 

[MFountain]

Yes I am changing over to those but I still have several of mine hanging above my babies, tied securely, so I can be sure they are warm and the lights are safe. But your right I can’t cover them.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Maybe since it would be for a short time frame like 15 to 20 minutes they could be unplugged while the windows are open. It would allow you to cover the birds.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

@aart @lazy gardener @casportpony @WVduckchick any ideas?

 

[aart]

Isn't any 'burn off' going to go right up the flue?

 

[lazy gardener]

I have reactive airway disease, and would find this burn off time to be very problematic for me. If all the birds are in that one room, I suggest that you put plastic over the door, tape it securely, including blocking the space under the door, so no air can enter the room. Crack the window open in that room, and also crack a few windows open in other parts of the house to equalize the air pressure, then complete the process. I wish you the best. Stay warm!!!

 

[WVduckchick]

Can you just move the chicks while you take care of it? Put them in a cardboard box, close it up. They'll be fine for a short period of time.

You could also put some bottles filled with hot water in with them, or a rag warmed in the dryer... lots of short term heating possibilities.

 

[Sunshine Flock]

There's got to be something you can do with convection and fans. Do the windows open? Where are the stairs relative to the rest of the basement? If air can be pushed downstairs (or up) and a good exchange of air, that will be a big help.

But the science of this escapes me.

 

[MFountain]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. It’s below zero outside and I have way to many to move plus the room they are in is the room that will be least effected so I will seal off the room put 2 space heaters and open a SMALL crack in the little window and then pray God will do the rest. I love my birds and take every precaution to make sure they are safe and healthy but this situation is very unusal and unique so I’ll do the best I can. Thank you again for your input and help.

 

[aart]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. It’s below zero outside and I have way to many to move plus the room they are in is the room that will be least effected so I will seal off the room put 2 space heaters and open a SMALL crack in the little window and then pray God will do the rest. I love my birds and take every precaution to make sure they are safe and healthy but this situation is very unusal and unique so I’ll do the best I can. Thank you again for your input and help.

but....

Isn't any 'burn off' going to go right up the furnace flue?