photo credit: whitneybee

Chickens kept in warmer climates like Australia need a place that provides a cool shelter as they are prone to heat exhaustion. Some signs that a chicken is over heated include panting, listlessness, drooping posture and even collapse. Allowing chickens free range access to a well ventilated and shady spot will prevent this from occurring.

A chicken coop that does not have adequate ventilation can become incredibly hot in the summer months. When planning the coop ensure that there is ventilation by creating airflow through both the bottom and the top of the coop. Fans and misting systems can also help to prevent heat exhaustion in your birds.

If a chicken does succumb to heat exhaustion, it is important that the bird be brought to a cooler environment immediately. Once a bird starts to display the signs of heat exhaustion they can go into shock very quickly and may even die. Keep the bird cool and remove any distressing stimulation and monitor the chicken. If it does not recover quickly a visit to the vet is in order.

Backyard Chickens Australia via the Chicken Coup blog where you can get Backyard Chicken and Chicken Care news and info.

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