Panting in the sun...but doesn't want to go in the shade...

[Lauryn Dee]

I just built a new bigger outdoor enclosure for my lil 1 month old Runners & 1 month old-ish Muscovys for until they can join the main flock.
They will still sleep indoors, but stay outside during the day.
They are loving it, after being in a little brooder for so long! Playing like crazy!

Anyways, I noticed the largest Runner is panting while laying in the sun with the others (who aren't panting) so she must be too hot, but she won't go to the shade (I made a shelter that has shade for them...and they have already been under it so I know they know it exists lol). She'd rather cuddle with his brothers and sister instead of cool off.

Should I worry about her at all?

And is there anything else that would cause panting other than the heat?

Thanks guys!

Lauren

 

[Lauryn Dee]

I am probably just being paranoid...lol

 

[Emzyyy]

What if you got a mister or sprinkler that was set on a timer near or above the run so they get a nice spray down every hour or so?

 

[Lauryn Dee]

Thats a wicked idea hahaha!
I wonder if we have an old sprinkler somewhere- thanks!

 

[DuckFanatic]

Another idea is ground fans

I have a total of four in my duck/ chicken area, they work wonders

 

[Cetawin]

I hose my duckies off every few hours when the temps get up in the high 80's and 90's. Today they got hosed off every couple of hours because it hit 96 and was hotter than hades.

 

[headred]

I lay the hose out in the shade when its really hot, every few hours. Makes them go to the shade and then I know they are getting a fresh drink of cool water. My how we baby them!!

 

[Lauryn Dee]

Thanks guys!!
She's the biggest one LOL and they are curl around her to nap like she's their "Mum" it's so cute...but she gets so hot!

I will try your suggestions out!

At least I for one am loving the hot summertime in Vancouver though!

Haha!

Lauren

 

[chixie]

during the heat of the day I free range my ducks in my yard and change their water in their two pools and put on the sprinkler... they think they go to the water park... I sit in the shade and watch them play in the water