Jun. 21, 2006
I have chicken troubles....
Posted in Homestead Barnyard
This afternoon 4 of our meatbirds died... seemingly of heat exhaustion. They were fine this morning and then when we went back out at 4 to give them more food & fresh water - ICK! They are kept on fresh ground in a chicken tractor. They had water, but we hadn't raised the tarp on the sides so maybe they didn't have enough ventilation?
Any ideas? I hate it when we lose animals this way.
~Nancy Carter
Senior Editor of HomesteadBlogger
Comments
Jun. 21, 2006 - more feeder space
Posted by yankeehomesteader4
I've raised many batches of meat birds, they get to a certain stage - usually just when you are contempalting butchering day and fried chicken- and they start droppping like flies - untouched flies! No marks, just dead - my experience has led me to increase feeder space at week 7 - no more dead chickens. Good luck - by the way - chickens don't swim :-)
Edited by yankeehomesteader4 on Jun. 21, 2006 at 10:39 PM
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Jun. 21, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by southofthegnatline
The extreme heat we are experiencing here in the south this summer puts our chickens at very high risk for heat exhaustion and is potentially life threatening. Even with certain breeds that are more heat tolerant - this summer's heat is really bad for all livestock. We lost a hen last weekend to the heat - chickens need shade from the heat and lots of water - we've had days here in Georgia (today was 103 degrees at our farm!) when we have to mist down our birds with the water hose. A tarp - I would be worried about tarping them - can you move them to a naturally tree shaded area without the tarp? Our chickens free range and stay all day in the woods - they sometimes go under the chicken house - but usually do not come out into the open until late, late evening (7:30ish!).
One of our neighbors down the road mentioned that this year is an El Nino year and why we have such heat and little rain - any thoughts about that?
Harriette
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Jun. 22, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by jenig
are you suuuuuuuuuuuuure it's not bird flu?
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Jun. 22, 2006 - Thanks Jen....
Posted by HSBFrontPorch
I was just waiting for some crack pot to say that! But ya know.... I could bring the chickens to YOUR house and let you check...... I know you spend hours a day combing the internet for information about global disease and disaster!
These remaining chickens of course, literally have it made in the shade now! We can't afford to lose any more. They are in the shade with a portable fan, extra food & water. If they start requesting their meals on silver trays though....I guess that would be my limit!
~Nancy
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