Overheating and broody hens! Plus, Cocci!

[kmw1101]

My flock has always been healthy and happy. This week has been rough. We have an outbreak of cocci (our first). We have three broody hens that are still on eggs but have hatched a total of 4 babies and of course it is 100 degrees outside. The broody hens will not leave their nests so I have been bringing them water with electrolytes and food. But it is so hot in the coop and they are panting and showing distress. I've tried hosing off the roof which helps maybe for a split second. We do not have electricity in our coop and it is too far from our house to run anything into it. I've been wondering about a solar powered or rechargeable fan. Any other thoughts?
Also, due to the cocci in my flock (we've lost one hen and about to lose two) the entire flock is on Corid minus the broody hens/babies (who have no signs of disease). I've been feeding the babies medicated feed but any other tips?

 

[HeritageGoose13]

I don't have experience with cocci, so I'll leave that to others to answer.

As for the hens, a fan would be nice.

Here's what I would do in the meantime: fill a large container of some sort outside with cold water from the hose. Now put on gloves and one by one, pick up the chickens, ignoring their objections. Now just dunk them in the water, up to their necks. Just dunk them in the water and then let them run back to their nests. They should be totally soaked, which is good. Don't worry, the eggs will be fine and will benefit from cooling as well.

 

[kmw1101]

Thanks! I've done that in the past to my flock when it's this hot but I think I will have to do it again. I fed all the broody hens frozen grapes but they are still panting.

 

[centrarchid]

Heat is your friend in many ways with respect to cocci. Keep water in front them with access to shade. Otherwise keep them all dry and on dry ground. I apply an off label use of antibiotic to help birds along. Affected birds will loose a lot of weight in part because not able to use food properly. Next outbreak with confined birds I will apply only electrolyte and Corid laced water for a couple of days to see if treatment efficacy improves.


Just keep the hatchlings dry and away from sick birds.