Nearing 100 degrees F

[Barbara l sandoval]

Right now, as I'm typing this, it's 90 degrees in Oregon.
Inside, the temperature is terrible. We have no air conditioning, and even using multiple fans isn't enough to keep us cool.

And as for our birds? They're out in the sun.

We hung up towels over the roof of their run to give them shade, and they've been in the shady spot for most of the day.
All day long they've been 'panting' with their beak open.
Two of our girls- Chickety and Valentina- have started lifting their wings whenever they get up and move to regulate temperature.
They have access to electrolyte water and we've been changing their fresh water constantly to keep it as cool as possible. They've spent most of the day laying in the shade or pecking at ice cubes we've frozen bits of apples into.
Right now, I have half a gallon of water in the freezer that- when frozen or very cold- I'm going to set into the coop so they've got something cool to huddle around.
Our girls are almost fully grown, about a month away from when we expect them to start laying.
However, from what we've gathered, young chickens have a harder time regulating their temperature than older chickens.

We're especially worried about Valentina- who, as opposed to our novogen browns- is a fully black australoop. She's been showing more signs of exhaustion from the heat than our other girls.

Is there anything more we can do for them to cool them down? We've given them shade, are offering them frozen treats, changing and cooling water constantly, and we're going to give them a frozen gallon to lean against in an effort to cool them down a bit more. But it's only supposed to get hotter as the week goes on, and we're getting increasingly worried that our girls are going to be suffering.

Hey there I’m sorry ur having such problems with keeping ur chicks cool .. being in Texas it’s very hot .. don’t panic please chickens are more sturdy then we give them credit.. my chicks love it when I give them a soft spray bath .. they spread their wings and take it all in ... I’m not saying soak them wet but a couple of times a day I do this .. if u are truly worried about your one chick that you mentioned having a harder time than others I would without hesitation bring her into the house for awhile .. I won’t loose any of my chickens when there was something I could have done to save them .. good luck I hope I helped u a little .. I never thought I could love chickens like I do they are truly awesome and give us love and they KNOW what love is they

 

[ringaring]

Right now, as I'm typing this, it's 90 degrees in Oregon.
Inside, the temperature is terrible. We have no air conditioning, and even using multiple fans isn't enough to keep us cool.

And as for our birds? They're out in the sun.

We hung up towels over the roof of their run to give them shade, and they've been in the shady spot for most of the day.
All day long they've been 'panting' with their beak open.
Two of our girls- Chickety and Valentina- have started lifting their wings whenever they get up and move to regulate temperature.
They have access to electrolyte water and we've been changing their fresh water constantly to keep it as cool as possible. They've spent most of the day laying in the shade or pecking at ice cubes we've frozen bits of apples into.
Right now, I have half a gallon of water in the freezer that- when frozen or very cold- I'm going to set into the coop so they've got something cool to huddle around.
Our girls are almost fully grown, about a month away from when we expect them to start laying.
However, from what we've gathered, young chickens have a harder time regulating their temperature than older chickens.

We're especially worried about Valentina- who, as opposed to our novogen browns- is a fully black australoop. She's been showing more signs of exhaustion from the heat than our other girls.

Is there anything more we can do for them to cool them down? We've given them shade, are offering them frozen treats, changing and cooling water constantly, and we're going to give them a frozen gallon to lean against in an effort to cool them down a bit more. But it's only supposed to get hotter as the week goes on, and we're getting increasingly worried that our girls are going to be suffering.

We set up a mist station in a shady area - either an adjustable nozzle on the hose or mist set ups, found at most garden centers, Harbor Freight or hardware stores. It brings the temp down as much as 20 degrees F. We used to set this up under a tent when we did Farmer's Markets & people would flock to it. So will chickens & ducks. GL

 

[ringaring]

I live in Phoenix and have chickens going through their sixth summer and still laying. They do not lift their wings to cool off. They free range and like to hang out primarily under a couple of trees that are watered daily and have mud. It is tough on a bird to be cooped up in heat. They do not seem to like misters.

Ours like them but hang at the fringes where the temp is lower but they don't get very wet.

 

[Joe Strummer]

Right now, as I'm typing this, it's 90 degrees in Oregon.
Inside, the temperature is terrible. We have no air conditioning, and even using multiple fans isn't enough to keep us cool.

And as for our birds? They're out in the sun.

We hung up towels over the roof of their run to give them shade, and they've been in the shady spot for most of the day.
All day long they've been 'panting' with their beak open.
Two of our girls- Chickety and Valentina- have started lifting their wings whenever they get up and move to regulate temperature.
They have access to electrolyte water and we've been changing their fresh water constantly to keep it as cool as possible. They've spent most of the day laying in the shade or pecking at ice cubes we've frozen bits of apples into.
Right now, I have half a gallon of water in the freezer that- when frozen or very cold- I'm going to set into the coop so they've got something cool to huddle around.
Our girls are almost fully grown, about a month away from when we expect them to start laying.
However, from what we've gathered, young chickens have a harder time regulating their temperature than older chickens.

We're especially worried about Valentina- who, as opposed to our novogen browns- is a fully black australoop. She's been showing more signs of exhaustion from the heat than our other girls.

Is there anything more we can do for them to cool them down? We've given them shade, are offering them frozen treats, changing and cooling water constantly, and we're going to give them a frozen gallon to lean against in an effort to cool them down a bit more. But it's only supposed to get hotter as the week goes on, and we're getting increasingly worried that our girls are going to be suffering.

When it was summer here (Sydney) over the christmas holidays it was 47 degrees centigrade for a number of days and dropped to 40 for a 'cool period' we took the girls into our kitchen and put towels down and had a fan going. Was hot but not disgustingly so like the heat outside. Eventually we put them in the garage with a couple of fans swiveling about and wet towels draped all over the place. It was hot, 32 degrees max, but was acceptable. At night we put lots of takeaway containers full of frozen water in their sleeping area.

 

[ChickenTippinFarm]

I moved from Oregon to Kansas many years ago. It's even hotter here with a LOT more humidity (so sweating does us no good). And seeing that I'm from Oregon, I also don't have AC and people here think I'm nuts. But, I'm not even going as far as you are in helping mine stay cool. Yes, they open their beaks and pant, yes they hold their wings away from their bodies, and mine also dig in the dirt to find a cool spot. I make sure they have plenty of water and shade. If they aren't chicks, perhaps some type of fan may also help by moving the air. Oregon isn't as windy as Kansas, but our wind always seems to come when we least need it. ha ha. I grow a garden, and give them anything from that which I won't or don't eat. A nice half a watermelon keeps them hydrated.

 

[WildnCrazyChick]

I am in NJ and it has been so hot here for the past 20+ days - heat indexes of 100+ , we don't have air conditioning either and my one chicken we have left has been suffering bad, I am not sure she will make it Very sad cause we have become "close" if you will, never thought I could enjoy a chicken as much as I do....I also been putting electrolytes in her water, she loves leftover corn on the cob, but there is only 1/2 an ear left. I can't remember if she likes cucumbers or not, but will try it tomorrow if she is still alive Take care and stay cool!

 

[Es_In_Miami]

This all sounds like a a wonderful way to go! Florida Sun and Humidity along with High Winds makes your creativity go into SuperDrive!

A little empathy goes a long way : ) LOL

 

[Es_In_Miami]

Mine like it when I pour a bucket or two full of cold water on the ground and it makes puddles. They wade through the puddles and cool their feet down, and, as an added bonus, the water hydrates their yard waste bedding (which is otherwise very dry, as my run is covered), and all of a sudden they find little crass clippings and leaves and stuff to eat as they get moist again. So, added entertainment. I haven't managed to get them to use a wading pool of any other kind yet (the sled method, trash bin lid, baking tray etc - they just don't want to step in it). But they do like the puddles.

Yesss! My chicks do the same thing. I keep a container with fresh water for their "foot wash."

 

[Clucktown]

I do not risk it in SC - If it is above 92 during the day or humidity is crazy at night, they are in the house in a large dog crate. They love being in the AC! My husband made roosts for the dog crate and they settle in quite quickly - thankful to be out of the heat. We also have a window unit it the garage the cost less than $100. For extended periods (like during a hurricane) they live in there.

 

[Kriscam]

Right now, as I'm typing this, it's 90 degrees in Oregon.
Inside, the temperature is terrible. We have no air conditioning, and even using multiple fans isn't enough to keep us cool.

And as for our birds? They're out in the sun.

We hung up towels over the roof of their run to give them shade, and they've been in the shady spot for most of the day.
All day long they've been 'panting' with their beak open.
Two of our girls- Chickety and Valentina- have started lifting their wings whenever they get up and move to regulate temperature.
They have access to electrolyte water and we've been changing their fresh water constantly to keep it as cool as possible. They've spent most of the day laying in the shade or pecking at ice cubes we've frozen bits of apples into.
Right now, I have half a gallon of water in the freezer that- when frozen or very cold- I'm going to set into the coop so they've got something cool to huddle around.
Our girls are almost fully grown, about a month away from when we expect them to start laying.
However, from what we've gathered, young chickens have a harder time regulating their temperature than older chickens.

We're especially worried about Valentina- who, as opposed to our novogen browns- is a fully black australoop. She's been showing more signs of exhaustion from the heat than our other girls.

Is there anything more we can do for them to cool them down? We've given them shade, are offering them frozen treats, changing and cooling water constantly, and we're going to give them a frozen gallon to lean against in an effort to cool them down a bit more. But it's only supposed to get hotter as the week goes on, and we're getting increasingly worried that our girls are going to be suffering.

Some people put a block of ice in a kiddie pool or shallow container with bricks or blocks so they can stand on them or in the deeper water to cool off their feet & lower their body temperature. Some people put box fans in their runs and/or coops too. I'm going to be facing this this summer in Washington. Good luck keeping your girls comfy!