We have all experienced the effects of excessive heat during the summer months, especially when the humidity is high too. I have shown you how to make this diy chicken first aid kit and this homemade fermented chicken feed in previous posts. These will become very handy when you begin to notice these 5 signs of heat exhaustion in your chickens.
The effects of heat exhaustion vary depending on the different chicken breeds. Some breeds tend to be more susceptible, especially when you add on environmental factors such as extreme temperatures. It has also been discovered that heavier birds tend to be more affected than the lighter ones. Therefore, don’t be surprised when you see your broilers exhibiting some of the signs whilst your egg layers may still seem to be coping. Same environment, different breed.
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1. Panting
As with dogs, since your chickens do not have sweat glands they will often try to cool down by opening up their respiratory system. You will know your ‘girls’ are panting when only moist air exits from the beak, but there is zero sound accompanying it.
2. Outstretched Wings & Feathers
Have you ever seen your chickens look like their wings are too heavy for them and they seem to be dragging them? Or sometimes they just open their wings out like they want to give each other hugs? They are really just trying to erect and open up their feathers, in an attempt to cool themselves by exposing more of their skin to cooler air.
3. Decreased Egg Production
Due to the fact that the chickens are no longer feeding correctly, they no longer have enough nutrients to sustain their survival as well as continued egg production. If they do lay eggs you will notice that due to limited amounts of calcium, their shells will usually be softer and thinner.
4. Bored & Droopy
As a result of electrolytes loss, reduced uptake of feed as well as regular waste expulsion, the chickens may become droopy and look demotivated. This is one of the more severe signs of heat exhaustion that you should keep an eye out for.
5. Disorientation
This is one of the more serious symptoms, you will notice the chickens looking disoriented and often stagger when they try to move around. The internal engine of your bird is starting to give way, and it won’t be long before the seizures begin and your birds collapse.
You can get more information on the Raising Happy Chickens blog, here…
10 Signs Of Heat
Exhaustion In Chickens
You can watch the video below on Heat Stroke In Chickens: What are the symptoms & treatments …
You can watch the video below on Do your chickens have heat stroke? How To Know…
