Open- Mouth Breathing - Overheating or Something else?

[Potterygal27]

Hello! This is our first year with chickens and we are located in North GA. The temp is expected to be about 76° today and our 21-week-old pullets are already showing signs of being overheated (or at least I think). Is panting/ open-mouth breathing normal behavior? I'm worried since it's not even close to summer temps yet. Do you think the open-mouth breathing is because of the temp or could it be related to another issue? Any other signs to look for overheating or respiratory issues?

Also, I would love some tips for keeping the girls cool this summer! Our coop and run get a lot of morning sun but then is in the shade the rest of the day. Thanks in advance!!!

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Has it been in the 70’s there recently or is this a recent temperature spike? What had the temperature been there prior to today?

 

[Potterygal27]

Has it been in the 70’s there recently or is this a recent temperature spike? What had the temperature been there prior to today?

Yesterday was in the 70's as well and recently it's been in the mid 60's-70's and lows at night in the 40's-50's. I've noticed all our pullets opening mouth breathing on occasion while running around the backyard the past couple of weeks. It's not constant but enough to make me question it.