Panting & Fluffed Up Hen

[Foundlovefarms]

Hi All

We recently welcomed four mature hens and a rooster into our backyard coop. They have been with us for about a week and a half. They are Easter Eggers and just over a year old.

They have had quite a few changes coming from a large farm to our backyard coop and getting them used to our puppy (and our puppy used to them). We have been having a lot of wins this week as everyone seems to be settling in.

Unfortunately when I went in to close up the coop tonight, one of the ladies was on the roosting bars, panting and had her wings off of her body. Her feathers were all fluffed up too.

I took her to the run and she would wander around, peck and try to get back into the coop. She seemed to not pant as much when I had her outside of the coop.

It was the warmest day today (23 degree Celcius). The coop is in the shade most of the day. Bedding in the coop used is pine shavings. She seems to act normal minus the panting when we interact with her.

Should I be worried? What can I do to help her?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

She sounds hot. Is your coop well ventilated?

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Agree about being to hot. As the nights get warmer here I am starting to worry about coop temps. Good luck!

 

[AmyJane725]

Yeah, that sounds like heat stress. Do you have windows you can open or anything? Maybe put a little fan in there or something?

 

[Foundlovefarms]

We have kept the door open and it has cooled off greatly - how long does it usually for a hen to cool herself?

It is going to cool down here to 13 degrees. Hopefully that will help?

The coop does have ventilation. But as we just built the coop so we will definitely add more to it/make adjustments.

 

[AmyJane725]

I'd offer her some cold water if it were me. They don't always cool down very quickly.

 

[Foundlovefarms]

I have put fresh cool water in the coop. Tho it is dark out and they seem to want to be on the roost. Any suggestions on that front?

 

[AmyJane725]

Does she still pant if you put her on the roost?

 

[Foundlovefarms]

Yes she is still panting but has jumped up on the rooster herself.

 

[Chickassan]

Temporary solution wet the panters belly, don't soak the whole hen or she'll be heavy and wont be able to roost.
Just wet the belly before you pop her back in the coop.
If you have ice packs or any frozen goods you could sacrifice putting those inside will help a little too.