Panting Chicken!!

[MyChickalees]

We moved the chicks to the coop last weekend, and they are doing excellent! Until, yesterday...we noticed one of our Reds panting, almost continuously!
It's really not that warm in there, and none of the others are doing this!
We live in Central Florida and it has gotten close to 90 degrees the last few days, but nothing unbearable!
They have plenty of water and a nice open air breeze flowing through the coop!!
Gave them a dish pan full of sand\dirt in case she needed a bath or something!
Has anyone else come across this situation?
Sorry, if this is a silly question, but, I am new to Backyard Chicken raising and I knew... I could come here for answers!

Thanks!!
P.S She is the largest of the pullets that we have...not sure if that matters!

 

[karincs]

Hi MyChickalees, its been a few hours since you posted, is your chick doing better? How old is she and is she the same age as the others who were not having the panting issue? You mentioned she was panting yesterday, did it continue today?
I am assuming there is shade available for your chicks, is she taking advantage of that? Have you seen her actually drinking water today? is she pooping normally?
Is there a way you can isolate her to bring her inside for a bit to see if a cooler temp improves things?
I am new to chick raising too, but have done much reading--you could try putting some frozen water bottles in the coop to help cool her down, or try an inch or two deep wading pool for the chicks (put a brick or rock in it so easy for them to get out if need be), apparently some chicks/hens enjoy that as long as they are not at risk for drowning because they are too small to get out. Do you have misters available?
those are some of the things others have suggested on this site...
If the panting is an actual symptom of illness, you could try posting on the emergencies/disease forum. There are many with more knowledge and experience than I who should be able to help you.

 

[MyChickalees]

I have cooled her with windows open, and a dust bath! A few ice chips, and love!
She seems better now!
Much shade, for ALL of them! She is eating, drinking, and pooping like normal!

 

[ChickenLegs13]

I've got 250 quail & chickens outside panting right now, without a/c, fans or tropical fruit drinks with the little umbrellas in them. Long as they have feed & water they do just fine.

 

[MyChickalees]

Thanks...I have incorporated a dust bath for them in the coop, and the panting has stopped!
All though, my Leghorns are now gray with dirt...they seem to be happy and comfy!