Panting in the coop..first night out

[BlindLemonChicken]

I had six chickens in my old prefab coop and they would always roost on the roof because they were too hot. If your coop isn't comfortable for your chickens they won't sleep in it voluntarily. You probably need more ventilation. I know I did lol

 

[Ccort]

Do you have a thermometer in the coop?
If not, I recommend it.
It can take time for the inside of the coop to match the outside temp,
especially if you don't have enough ventilation.
Pics of your coop might help here.

I use a fan in an east window to blow cooler air into the coop to help.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/window-fan-mount.75608/

No thermometer but am interested in window box fan. Refommendation on one to buy?

Should I bring them in tonight?

 

[Ccort]

Ideally the temperature in the coop should be same as outside, or as close as possible. When it was 92 out, did you get a temperature reading inside? And now it's 84 out, but is it around 84 inside?

If not, you likely need more ventilation.

I sont think its hot in the coop, personally but is a bit warmer than outside.

 

[Ccort]

I think part of it is that they haven't acclimated to this yet, temps included. Hugh's are only in the 70s later this week.

How about a bag of ice with a towel wrapped around it for the night?

 

[springvalley123]

I think part of it is that they haven't acclimated to this yet, temps included. Hugh's are only in the 70s later this week.

How about a bag of ice with a towel wrapped around it for the night?

If they're still huddling and not roosting, the ideas for ice bottles and a bag of ice for them to sit next to would help. If they're roosting, obviously nothing but the box fan would help.. I'd just get whatever one is in stock. I'd bring them back in, depending on their age. Younger chicks can't tolerate temps warmer than the target 95 degrees etc, depending on their age. And if they're panting, they're hot. I had to bring in some day olds one time because the temps were just too hot. I lost a few before figuring that out.

 

[Ccort]

If they're still huddling and not roosting, the ideas for ice bottles and a bag of ice for them to sit next to would help. If they're roosting, obviously nothing but the box fan would help.. I'd just get whatever one is in stock. I'd bring them back in, depending on their age. Younger chicks can't tolerate temps warmer than the target 95 degrees etc, depending on their age. And if they're panting, they're hot. I had to bring in some day olds one time because the temps were just too hot. I lost a few before figuring that out.

They're 8 weeks today.

They all huddle together on the roost, which I think is part of the issue. They are so squished into one small spot even though they have a lot of room and two roost bars. I tried moving them apart but they go right back together.

They all stick together all day long, even free ranging but thats not a problem. Even now, one is at the bottom of this pile of chicks, panting.

 

[springvalley123]

They're 8 weeks today.

They all huddle together on the roost, which I think is part of the issue. They are so squished into one small spot even though they have a lot of room and two roost bars. I tried moving them apart but they go right back together.

They all stick together all day long, even free ranging but thats not a problem. Even now, one is at the bottom of this pile of chicks, panting.

If the humidity is low, you can blow the box fan, and hang a wet cloth in front of it. That doesn't help if your area is humid though. Heat at roost time is a real problem. Did you grab a box fan?

 

[Ccort]

If the humidity is low, you can blow the box fan, and hang a wet cloth in front of it. That doesn't help if your area is humid though. Heat at roost time is a real problem. Did you grab a box fan?

I dont have a box fan at home. I'm looking online for one to fit in the window. Meanwhile, I brought them in.
I can add a couple more vents for more ventilation but I don't think that'll do any good if they're huddled so closely. They felt very warm to the touch.

 

[springvalley123]

I dont have a box fan at home. I'm looking online for one to fit in the window. Meanwhile, I brought them in.
I can add a couple more vents for more ventilation but I don't think that'll do any good if they're huddled so closely. They felt very warm to the touch.

I'm glad you brought them in. Timing is everything. When I put young birds outside in the spring, I try to find milder weather. This time of year, in a few days like you said the temps will be much better. Adding more ventilation should help keep the coop from heating up too much. Just make sure it's above the birds' backs when they roost. I'd add several more square feet. I use a drill bit to cut a hole big enough for the jig saw blade, then I'd cut from stud to stud (not cutting the studs) and put up hardware cloth.

 

[Ccort]

Mounting a fan like this would be simple. Think this would do the trick?