Whole Fock Open Mouth Breathing -Sick or Hot?

[GirlsMommy18]

Living in South Florida, I assumed my flock was just hot, but now at 9pm they are still breathing with their mouths open? Granted, it's still 80F outside. I'm not sure wether to be alarmed or not. All are young birds around 5 months. Coop is well ventilated and the free range in the day time. No new birds, no coughing, sneezing, eye goop, etc. They are active and eating well, but they are all breathing with their mouth open. The hens who have been laying already have normal eggs, but I have a hen who just started laying in the last week with shelless eggs. The membrane gets thicker each egg. Not sure if that could be related or not.

Should I worry, or do they sound ok? I've only raised boilers in the past, so I'm in a whole new world here.

 

[sourland]

If the ambient temperature is 80 F, it is probably far hotter in the coop, and with that Florida humidity it's rough on your birds.

 

[micstrachan]

I think they’re hot, but it’s good to pay close attention. Do you have a little fan you could use to get the air moving in the coop?

As far as the eggs, she’ll probably sort it out. My Light Brahma, Buttercup, lays quite a few shell less eggs when she first starts a lay cycle.

 

[GirlsMommy18]

Sounds like I need to expedite fixing the second coop for less crowding on the roosts, I can't imagine the cuddling helps if it's heat related. And figure out some fans for both.

Anyone know of cheap small (very small) outdoor fans? We are in the red due to some unexpected things popping up and draining the savings account, though things should pick up in a couple of months. I hate to see them suffer if I can help in the meantime though.

 

[mixedbreeds]

Walmart has box fans for about 20 bucks

 

[micstrachan]

I bought these awesome clip on fans on amazon. They are rechargeable via USB and last for several hours.

 

[Feathers Brady]

Box fans work fine in close proximity.
Tonight my coop is hot. The six girls huddle but also expand their wings and open mouth also. I have a very large floor fan circulating with all windows open.

They'll get through just fine.

 

[GirlsMommy18]

Thanks everyone! I'll figure out the fans ASAP and try to make them as comfortable as possible in a Florida summer. I'm very relieved that they probably aren't sick though!

 

[Eggcessive]

Aim your fan out of the coop window to pull frsh air into the coop from the opposite side.