Panting chicks

[ChamorroChicken]

MY chicks are about 4 weeks old and its hot outside, there is a lot of airflow in the coop, but the temp is reaching the mid 90's is it normal for them to pant like they are short of breath, this is my first flock and it worries me. They are drinking a lot of water but? is this normal?

 

[chickensioux]

Perhaps they are too hot. Can they be moved indoors with a light on them that they can get under? Can you put a fan on them?

 

[Anianna]

They need shade. Also, you can put ice in their water so they have cool water to drink, freeze water bottles for them to lean against (cover with a towel if they are not fully feathered), and you can fill inexpensive kitty litter trays with cool water for them to wade in.

 

[Lyssa]

It's been in the 90's here too, and my girls aren't even in a run, they are under a shady tree with the wind whipping by, and they are panting.

So, just saying, it's hot and they are too. I think just make sure they have ventilation, shade and water, they should be ok. Some people talk about water misters... they might like that to cool off the area. I put one in a cool tub of water yesterday, she wasn't amused

I was though, so at least one of us was entertained!

 

[Anianna]

Hehe, Lyssa, you don't have to put them in it. Just leave it out for them and if they find it comfortable, they will use it.