Wildfire smoke and chicken health

[WildMountainFarmette]

Hello! I'm in Portland and we now have an air quality rating of about 325, very hazardous to all living things. I have 30 hens so I can't just move them inside with me. I'm hoping for some creative suggestions on how to keep them safe in this smoke. I'm already changing their water every few hours and adding ACV to it. They only eat fermented food which should help keep their throats moist. But I've noticed a few of them are beginning to wheeze and I'm desperate to do something for them.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

In a dire smoky situation, the only choice is to get them out of that air. Is your coop big enough that you can keep them in a few days and filter the air coming in?

 

[piminuse]

Hello, fellow PDXer!

There are a few threads that might help:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ur-birds-from-hazardous-smoke-levels.1414618/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/oregonians-under-evacuation.1414388/#post-23230586

 

[piminuse]

An abridged version:

• Hang wet sheets around coop/run
• Hang tarps around you coop/run to prevent smoke from infiltrating
• Get your sprinklers running around the coop to keep ash down
• Setup a box fan with a filter propped on it and have it going by or in your coop
• Remember to regularly change water if it's exposed, as ash+water can produce lye

 

[WildMountainFarmette]

In a dire smoky situation, the only choice is to get them out of that air. Is your coop big enough that you can keep them in a few days and filter the air coming in?

My coop doesn't have windows, just hardware cloth coverings to give it circulation, which is now obviously a problem. I can staple plastic over the hardware cloth and keep them in there. Thank you!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

My coop doesn't have windows, just hardware cloth coverings to give it circulation, which is now obviously a problem. I can staple plastic over the hardware cloth and keep them in there. Thank you!

They still need air. Don't cover with plastic.
There are lots of things you can cover the windows with that will still allow air infiltration.
By windows, I figure that means openings. All mine have hardware cloth rather than glass but they are still windows. Coop windows should always allow air transpiration.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Hello! I'm in Portland and we now have an air quality rating of about 325, very hazardous to all living things. I have 30 hens so I can't just move them inside with me. I'm hoping for some creative suggestions on how to keep them safe in this smoke. I'm already changing their water every few hours and adding ACV to it. They only eat fermented food which should help keep their throats moist. But I've noticed a few of them are beginning to wheeze and I'm desperate to do something for them.

I’m in Portland too. I moved our tractor to the garage and laid down straw and BOOM. Happy chickens.

 

[JustSarahThanks]

I don't know about the rest of you west coast-folk who've moved your flocks indoors, but mine are not too thrilled about their temporary digs in our basement bathroom. Sorry, buddies! We'll get you back out into your house as soon as we can!

 

[Jakico]

I moved my girls into an out building they are not happy. I’m sure it is confusing for them but the air quality in Portland is awful. I cannot be outside for more than a few minutes before my eyes itch, my throat hurts and have a headache. I can’t imagine how they feel after three days of the smoke. I put a ladder in to help them perch but they are just sitting by the door hoping to get out. I feel better knowing they are out of the smoke and I’m sure they physically feel better, but mentally they are stressed by all the changes.

 

[piminuse]

I have 12 birds in a 4'x4' playpen in my garage...Yeah, they're not stoked. Not super happy about their stink myself, but I would prefer healthy birds in my garage then suffering ones outside. The heritage meat birds better be the best damn things I've ever eaten come processing time next month...