Wildfire creating smokey/poor air quality-Worried about hens

[AshMckenzzz]

Hi All-I live in Northern California which has been devastated by intense wildfires. With the windy conditions not helping and blowing all the smoke inland, I'm worried about my hens. Fires started on Sunday night and everyday the smokey air has actually gotten worse. What should I be on the lookout for? They have fresh water and feed but not sure if I should be doing more. Are they better off with me putting them in the coops with all the windows shut until it the smoke dies down? My dogs and I have been staying indoors! Thanks for your advice and help!

 

[SilkiesInSuburb]

Hey, I live in California too. If you're keeping them outside you should put tarps over their coops and check their food and water for ash. You can bring them inside if you'd like to, though unless you're very near the fire, it's not necessary. I am a few miles away from the fire, and while it's smokey it's not bad enough to bring them in. I hope you'll be okay!

 

[red horse ranch]

I live in Wyoming where wildfires are also a constant threat. This summer we have had a lot of smokey days where the road that is 200 yards away from our buildings can't be seen for the smoke. I have never noticed my chickens and guineas having a problem with it. They seem to have no ill effects from it.
Please keep yourself safe from the fires and think about an evacuation plan for you and you animals. We'll be hoping for the best for all of you in California.

 

[SilkiesInSuburb]

Please keep yourself safe from the fires and think about an evacuation plan for you and you animals. We'll be hoping for the best for all of you in California.

Yes, you should definitely have an evacuation plan. I have a crate near my coop if I need to get my chickens out, and I'd recommend that if the fires are anywhere near you. The fires are going away from where I live, but I am not betting on it.

 

[achiekitty]

Hi All-I live in Northern California which has been devastated by intense wildfires. With the windy conditions not helping and blowing all the smoke inland, I'm worried about my hens. Fires started on Sunday night and everyday the smokey air has actually gotten worse. What should I be on the lookout for? They have fresh water and feed but not sure if I should be doing more. Are they better off with me putting them in the coops with all the windows shut until it the smoke dies down? My dogs and I have been staying indoors! Thanks for your advice and help!

Thank you for asking. I, too, am concerned about my hens. I’m in Solano County and the air is very smoky. While we haven’t been asked to evacuate as we’re farther west, it’s been very smoky here all day.

 

[SilkiesInSuburb]

Make sure they have good and not ashy water, that is very important as they may be hot or a little smokey and want to drink it. And like I said before, have an evacuation plan just in case.

 

[red horse ranch]

There is a recent posting on the Peafowl website that lists shelters for poultry and animals that are being evacuated. Please check this out just in case you need it.

 

[SilkiesInSuburb]

I have, and I have kept it handy. Thank you.

 

[achiekitty]

There is a recent posting on the Peafowl website that lists shelters for poultry and animals that are being evacuated. Please check this out just in case you need it.

Thanks, but I couldn’t find the posting on their site.

 

[21hens-incharge]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/hope-you-norcal-peapeople-are-safe-some-resources.1202911/

I think this is the list referenced by red horse ranch.