What is wrong with them? OPEN MOUTHS.

[ophelia3178]

Yesterday evening, most of my chicks mouths were open. I thought 'hey, maybe they are hot.' I went into the coop, lol yes, and it did not seem to be hot for me. The temperature was 20-22 outside, and the lamp isn't a heat lamp. OH and a more serious issue, my Ameracauna, Morgoth always has a wet face, and one of her eyes, since hatched always leaks and is closed a lot. What is wrong with the poor girl?




Morgoth is the girl in the video.

 

[welasharon]

Yes that is how they do when it is hot. They can stand cold better than hot. Not sure on the eye.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

That is a classic "I'm hot and trying to cool off" pose with the panting and spread wing set. It may have only been 20-22 outside - but the temperature inside can be warmer. The pictures don't show a lot of the coop, but what I do see does not show any ventilation - what is the ventilation for the coop? A closed up coop with little/no ventilation can quickly and easily heat beyond the outside temperatures when you put some heat generating chickens into it - and even a non-heat lamp bulb puts out a good deal of heat, especially in a closed in space.

 

[ophelia3178]

getting better ventilation now. thanks

 

[cafarmgirl]

A fan is always a good idea. Direct it so they can sit in the breeze if they want to. Moving the air around them and letting if blow over them dissipates body heat and makes a world of difference for them, just like it does for us.

 

[ophelia3178]

Realized the coop had no ventilation !!! maybe a small hole or two, but that's it!!!! I feel like such a bad mother. Getting it all fixed today though. my poor girls. and when it does get too hot I will place a fan inside! thanks

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

You aren't a bad chicken mama - you are an inexperienced one who didn't know something was needed, now knows and is taking corrective action - that is a GOOD chicken mama!

 

[cafarmgirl]

You aren't a bad chicken mama - you are an inexperienced one who didn't know something was needed, now knows and is taking corrective action - that is a GOOD chicken mama!

X2! We all had to start somewhere and when I look back at some of the things I did way, way back when...and when there was no internet...

good heavens. A good owner is one who investigates, asks questions, picks up new ideas and learns things all the time. A bad owner does not care enough to do any of those things. So yes, you are a good owner!

 

[ophelia3178]

phsaw!

Thanks everyone! This site is so useful

 

[welasharon]

Make sure you use hardware cloth to cover the vented areas and not chicken wire.